The Current

We're with the band: musical Wolverines perform solo, together in community

Wednesday, February 08, 2012 By DUBRAY KINNEY and RAY ANN VILLANUEVA

“Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” - Jimi Hendrix Several Watkins Mill High School students seem to be following Hendrix’s words, and are starting their own ventures into music. Senior Min Thura said playing live “feels great, man.” Thura is the lead singer and electric guitarist of his band, Rosalie’s Revenge, which is a three-man band composed of Thura and two college students. This isn’t Thura’s first band—he also played guitar and recorded vocals in his former band In Our Shallow Grave before starting his new band. “It’s nice to play music for people,” freshman Victoria Soto said , about a performance last year in Montgomery Village. Soto plays electric and rhythm guitar in a band without a name. Freshman Reuben Bojos said, “It’s pretty exciting to play live.” Bojos has been in the same band for two years with Soto. He added that his band will only be playing live, and that they do not have any plans to record. Freshman Chakshu Mittal, Bojos and Soto's bandmate, said, “[Playing live] feels pretty cool.” Mittal plays the six-string guitar as well as drums. He has been in the band for almost a year. He is not sure whether he plans to record his music. Bands aren’t the only musical outlets for Watkins Mill High School students. Junior Kelsey Ogbewe started rapping when he was ten years old. Over the years, he has performed in several churches including his local church, Rockville Assembly of God. Ogbewe has also competed at a competition called Fine Arts in Lutherville, Maryland, and earned a spot to compete in Nationals in Phoenix, Arizona. He will be attending Fine Arts again this year. He said that the first time he performed in front of a big audience was "nerve-racking," but now he enjoys it. Ogbewe said, “I would like to be signed to a label down the road but I’ll have to see later on.” His inspirations include Christian rappers Lecrae, Eshon Burgundy and Japhai Life.