Change for a 5

We are so amazed by Brandon's leadership and musical skills! He has really enjoyed playing with his band, Change for a 5. He wanted to have one last big "gig" before graduation. He had the idea to organize a "Battle of the Bands" concert, with all proceeds going to a charitable cause. To do this, he spent many, many hours over the last few months lining up bands, finding vendors to donate food and a printer to give a cut-rate on printing tickets and signs, securing a venue, meeting with the bands and creating the rules for the concert, finding people to run the sound equipment, etc. He showed incredible leadership as he confidently organized, planned, and tracked the many details involved.

The concert (held last Friday) was a great success. They made $900 for the cause. The music was great, and it was a very enjoyable night. Dan and I had to pinch ourselves several times to make sure we weren't dreaming when our formerly shy son belted songs into the microphone, while also playing a mean guitar. Brandon's band performed seven original songs. He had written almost all the words and music for their songs. Prior to the concert, he used his recording/editing software to record the band members performing the songs one track at a time (first recording the drum part, then the piano part, then electric guitar, etc.). He combined and edited the tracks, creating songs that he burned to CDs, which they sold at the concert.

Good job, Brandon! You are an awesome young man.

The members of the band are friends from Skyview High School.

For this song, "Must be Monday," Taylor (on piano) provided comic relief with some props (that is Joseph's helmet!)

After Change for a 5 performed, Brandon accompanied and sang harmony with a good friend, Sammy. She wrote the lyrics to one of the band's songs, and has a beautiful voice.

We hope Brandon can find a way to continue to be involved in music at college, because this is something he definitely enjoys.

There is video of the performances. When I get an edited copy, I will post some clips!