Battle of the Bands in Pikangikum

Posted by Jim Dawson

on Jun 20, 2014

By happy coincidence, while in Pikangikum to teach canoeing skills, another program supported by Norfolk Sunrise was performed on the Thursday night of their visit: the music program's annual concert and Battle of the Bands. Jim said that “it is amazing to see what these students can do with a guitar” . Students who are often too shy to talk in class can build the confidence to go in front of an audience of over 100 to play their instruments in a competition styled after American Idol, complete with a professional band giving them tips. The program, supported by Rotary and Hobo Cafe, provided prizes of guitar, 6 channel digital recorder, area microphone, distortion pedals and smaller prizes of guitar strings and cables.

While visiting the reserve, the Rotarians were able to see first hand the many issues and difficulties facing this community. It was great to meet face to face with the staff, teachers, and band members to better understand their needs. Despite all of the problems we hear about in the south, the truth is there is a lot of great people and bright kids trying to hone their skills in a difficult environment.