Aliso Niguel High School has a very musically inclined student base. Providing a host of opportunities for its musically inclined students, some take the band experience into their own hands. Inspired by their favorite artists, these individuals use school to network their talents to other similarly skilled students, forming their own bands.
Quinn Curtis is a junior this year, he has been practicing the bass guitar for the past year by himself and with his friends. When with his friends, Quinn plays in his own band called, The Back of the Bus. Himself and fellow classmates: Trevor Curameg (11; rhythm guitarist), Jake Sliger (11; lead guitarist), Faris Radieddine (11; drummer & guitarist), play covers of their favorite songs together.
In playing together, Curtis hopes to “have fun and get to the level of skill where I can play in front of people with my friends. We don’t want [it] to turn into a job”. Quinn and his friends play their instruments purely for their love of music and the fun of the experience.
I have personally had the chance to participate in The Back of the Bus’ rehearsal. Accompanied by Quinn Curtis, Faris Radieddine, and Jake Sliger, I was invited to come and play with them at Sliger’s house. Unable to play any instrument, I was taught to play a version of the wall mounted electric drums, by Jake himself.
I contributed little, but the synergy between the boys during the two and a half hour session was tangible. Filled with laughter and random rock guitar riffs, the nearly three hour session flew by. When eventually roped into performing a song together, no sheet music was used, rather the band member’s memories of the songs guided their instruments. Clearly, these boys are exceptional musicians, even if they practice only casually.
Within The Back of the Bus band, Jake Sliger (lead guitarist) plays for another band. The second band is called Duct Tape, who also plays covers of their favorite rock songs. These songs include those from, but not limited to: Black Sabbath and Van Halen. Additionally, Sliger’s band hopes to make and perform their own music soon.
This band is made up of fellow teenagers, all younger than Jake and none of which attend Aliso Niguel High School. Most of them are middle school students, with one even being 12 years old. Their age difference presents little problem for Duct Tape as they regularly perform.
To hear Duct Tape live, Jake says they play all over the surrounding area, such as Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa. Past events have taken place in The Harp Inn in Costa Messa, and The Blue Beat in New Port.
Jake does not limit himself to just one instrument. Playing the guitar for 5 years, drums and the bass guitar, “a little bit”. Despite his humble tone, Jake seems to be proficient in just about any instrument he touches.
Aliso Niguel’s student body not only hosts an array of proficient scholars, but skilled musicians. Many students would never guess their classmates play in their very own rock band. Because of this, Aliso Niguel’s student base has some of the most talented students in musical abilities.
