Six local bands took the stage and rocked the house at the Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County Saturday afternoon.
Parents, friends and local music lovers in general all gathered at the location to show support for both the Conway School of Music and the Boys and Girls Club at the second annual Winter Benefit Jam.
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Carrie Strode
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Will LaRue, a 4th grade student at Conway Christian School, along with his band, SNL, from the Conway School of Music, were one of six bands that participated in the second annual Winter Benefit Jam at the Boys and Girls Club Saturday afternoon. CARRIE STRODE PHOTO
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According to Jim Skelton, music instructor, the benefit is one of the school's events to showcase the talent of students ranging in age from 9 to 18.
"At the Conway School of Music, we are a private institution that teaches everything from guitar to bass guitar to piano to drums and after the students get a little better, we divide them into rock clinics, who perform at events like this," Skelton said.
Skelton said the students not only learn to play their favorite songs, they are also taught music theory, music management and eventually how to book gigs on their own.
He also said the students get a lesson in giving back to the community at the institution, which is why all proceeds made at the benefit went back to the Boys and Girls Club.
"We been in business for about seven years now and we really want to teach the kids about giving back to the community they live in," Skelton said. "We want to teach them to be good musicians and good people at the same time."
Skelton said although the kids who attend the Boys and Girls Club are the beneficiaries of the proceeds of Saturday's concerts, the School of Music students gained quite a bit, too.
He said performing for crowds not only helps the student musicians improve their talents, but it increases their courage, as well.
"It gives them so much self confidence and everyone knows that if you can start off confidence at an early age, it breeds success for the rest of your life," Skelton said.
There are about 150 students who attend classes at the school each week and Skelton said the kids don't just learn about the rock music they like to play they are immersed in everything from country to classical to jazz.
"We teach all aspects and all facets of whatever type of music we can so these kids get that experience," Skelton said.
After the first three bands played Saturday, Skelton said each performance was definitely at the top end of the scale and added he was proud of them all.
Skelton said being involved with the Conway School of Music is the most gratifying job he has ever had, especially when he is able to watch a young musician grow up as both a person and a performer.
He added he is happy to be able to provide outlets for young musicians to enhance their skills and get a head start in the world of music.
"I only wish this sort of thing was around when I was their age," Skelton said.
The bands made up of school-aged musicians that performed at the Winter Benefit Jam included SNL, Lolly Bottom Boys, Feeding the Flame, For the Sleeping Saints and False Accusation. Tucker Creek, another local band, also performed.
(Staff writer Jessica Bauer can be reached by e-mail at jessica.bauer@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1236. To comment on this and other stories in the Log Cabin, log on to www.thecabin.net. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
