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'The 13' is a thirteen-piece junior high rock band directed by local musician and music instructor Rick Kirkpatrick and is sponsored by the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley, California. The mission of the band is to offer these young musicians a real-life experience of assembling, rehearsing and performing in a band. The group's emphasis is on working together, listening to each other and supporting one another.

This music program began in 2005 with a grant from Jan & Homer Nottingham to purchase the equipment needed to get started. The Nottinghams felt that the young musicians in our community needed a program like 'The 13'.

'The 13' is designed to work in conjunction with private music lessons. Now your students have an opportunity to utilize what they are learning in a pop-rock group. The instrumentation includes but is not limited to:

• 2-4 Guitars - acoustic and electric
• 2 Bassists
• 2-3 Drummers - Kit and hand drums, including percussion
• 2 Keyboards - piano/ organ, synthesizers, programming and loops
• 4 Vocalists - 2 male, 2 female
• Other instruments, such as sax, violin, etc., will also be considered.

Applications are available through the Center for the Arts during the summer months. Auditions have been held during the last week of November. Rehearsals start in the first part of January.

The program hasn't surpassed expectations...it has simply confirmed the belief that, with a little direction and encouragement, these musicians would really take off!

If you would like brochures to give to students, or have any other questions about 'The 13', please call the Director, Rick Kirkpatrick, at 477-7586 or e-mail: rtkirkpatrick@yahoo.com

Photos by Jeff Severn