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High Schools that Rock students perform in Muskingum Park

Students were able to showcase their talents, from singing to guitar-playing, at the first Music In The Park on Thursday in Marietta. (Photo by Jenna PIerson)

Young musicians had an opportunity to showcase their talents at Music In The Park at Muskingum Park on Thursday.

Enthusiastic parents, families and other local residents came together on the sunny evening to listen to second-12th grade students play guitars, ukuleles and sing through the local music program, High Schools That Rock.

The performance, which included covers of songs like “Stand By Me” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” was the first Music In The Park performance of the summer at Muskingum Park in Marietta.

Mark Doebrich, the director of High Schools That Rock, has engaged with Mid-Ohio Valley students and their musical gifts through the program for almost 21 years in total.

For the past two weeks, students of all ages and levels have been able to attend daily multi-hour camps where they have either learned new skills or developed their current ones. Exploratory sessions have allowed students to learn how to play the ukulele and banjo in addition to guitar.

Students follow the lead of High Schools That Rock director Mark Doebrich. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

“Many of them are multi-instrumentalists,” Doebrich said. “It’s just so fun to get kids together in-person … getting through the COVID thing online has been really difficult. Camps have been difficult, but fun.”

During COVID-19, participants were able to gather for classes and lessons virtually, but Doebrich is relieved that they are able to come together again physically to make music.

“Everyone getting together, from the young ones all the way up to my age and playing music, from beginners to more advanced, it’s just a fun time,” said participant Clare Walker, a rising senior at Williamstown High School who has participated in High Schools That Rock for nearly six years.

The program encourages both personal and musical horizon expansion, with Kalis Bigley, a rising eighth grader at Marietta High School, excitedly sharing her growth.

“I’ve learned how to play three instruments,” Bigley said.

All ages from elementary school through high school are welcome to learn more about music through High Schools That Rock. Students gather in between songs to chat. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

Her mother, Cat Bigley, echoes Kalis’ excitement and sentiments.

“Last year was tough because we couldn’t have the practices,” Bigley said. “But I am happy she has stuck with it and to see her back on stage is cool.”

High Schools That Rock has several upcoming performances, including next week’s performance again for Music In The Park and Harmar Days.

Friends and families decorated the grass of Muskingum Park to listen to the music. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

High Schools That Rock participant and local musician Evan Cunningham performed his song, “Burnin’ Gas,” for the audience. (Photo by Jenna Pierson)

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