BUCYRUS — For the second time in three years, Bucyrus High School students will be taking a final exam, and not one that is part of the state testing requirements.
In true Jack Black’s School of Rock fashion, the Bucyrus XBand, a group comprised of BHS musicians, will be competing in the finals of the Tri-C Rock Off at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
The competition features rock groups made of high school students who compete for prize money for themselves and their music departments.
Mark Fiske, director of bands at Bucyrus High School, however, said Bucyrus is not the norm as most groups are not officially sponsored by their home schools.
After competing in a semi-final Feb. 2, the XBand is one of 12 groups to make the Final Exam on Saturday, Feb. 16.
The group’s set Feb. 2 included Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality,” Dixie Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl,” and “Spiderwebs” by No Doubt.
“Playing (at the hall of fame) is pretty amazing,” Fiske said. “(The students) decided to go first. You can’t argue with the result.”
Being able to attend the competition is something the members of the XBand look forward when the second semester of classes begin.
“It’s definitely something I look forward to,” said Tyler Rittenhour, a senior and third-year member. “I love the aspect of performing for people.”
The thrill of the performance was echoed by bandmate Alexis Schifer.
“I really enjoy just performing with the group and other people,” said Schifer a saxophone player, senior and third-year group member. “Going up on stage like that, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Especially in Cleveland, not many people get to perform there.”
She said being able to perform their multiple times and now make the finals multiple times, adds that much more to the experience.
Rittenhour and Schifer agreed they hope making the finals for the second time will inspire younger XBand members to continue to strive for consistency in the competition.
“I really hope to inspire the younger members to continue to try to do their best and perform at their best,” Rittenhour said.
Schifer said she hopes the group continues to have high standards.
“I hope the group continues to go to something like this show, even if it’s not specifically the Rock Off,” she said. “I hope they continue to find ways to show off the talent of the group, because we have a lot of talent in this school.”
Fiske said standards are kept in the same way as the other traditional school bands he directs.
“Every year we try to get better,” he said. “We look at the year before and try to learn from it and do our best to always improve.”
When asked if the audience can expect an improved version of the set from the semi-finals or will the set contain something new, Fiske gave a smile.
Those wishing to attend the event may purchase tickets at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website.
Doors open Saturday at 5 p.m. and the first performance is at 6 p.m.