CLICK HERE FOR THE RAMSTOCK 2012 YOUTUBE PLAYLIST
Kate Howard & Emilie Kushner
Editor-in-Chief & Senior Editor
On May 18, students took a break from their homework and gathered in the gym from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. to support the Student Coalition’s (StuCo) annual Ramstock. The winners will be announced tomorrow.
This year’s lineup (in order of performance) included sophomore Olivia Harkey; senior Kelsey Hsu, juniors Neal Koller, Elaine Rojas, Alyssa Thompson; seniors Nick Depuy and Andrew Gruseke; juniors Natalie Gilhool and Tyler Stemmerman; senior Alyssa Domino; seniors Bobby Distler, Devon Calhoun, Cameron Lancaster; senior Evan Turiano and junior Gabby Balzano; senior Tyler Pelli; and english teacher Aaron Gallo’s band. To close the evening, a New Canaan alumni band, “Love Via Dance Machine”, who are recently coming off their tour with Drake Bell, performed a whole set. This band features NCHS alumni Alex Badanes, along with bandmates Jimmy Coberly, Izaiah Yelle and Wiley Esten.
Senior Greg Brea, StuCo President, explained why the tradition of Ramstockis continued every year. “StuCo holds it because it’s one of the only nights students get to appreciate the work of others and it’s just a relaxing and fun atmosphere,” he said.
According to junior Molly James, Ramstock had a different set up than in the past. “It’s in the gym now, not in the lounge,” she said. “There is also a professional band here with a NC alumni in it. For student musicians, they are able to express themselves and it’s fun.”
This was not the first time Devon has performed in front of the student body. She has participated in every Ramstock since her sophomore year and as a Ramstock regular, she was excited to participate once again. “Ramstock is a fun way to perform because it is to a bunch of people you know and no one is judging so you can just be yourself,” she said. “I learned that from the few mess-ups I have made over the years.”
Although Devon confessed that her first Ramstock was not necessarily ideal, the event has allowed her to develop as a performer. “I had never performed in front of people before and it was completely nerve racking,” she said. “Last year’s Ramstock was a bit hectic. It was the same night as my senior night for lacrosse so I had to run from the field to the lounge in order to make my time slot. I ended up playing Rolling In the Deep by Adele, sweaty in my lacrosse uniform. [It] definitely shows how comfortable I had become with the audience.”
Having played at Ramstock since his freshman year, Nick returned to the stage to perform a duet. “My friend, Andrew Gruseke, asked if I wanted to play with him at Ramstock and I agreed,” he said. “My first year was with my first and last band 362 False with Ryan Timberlake, Sean Petersen and Will Frick. I played rhythm guitar and Sean brought the house down with his solo. It was great.”
Junior Christy Coco, who has participated in Ramstock in the past, but did not perform this year, likes Ramstock because of its casual forum. “I’m used to long, structured rehearsals where I sing anything from classical to broadway music and Ramstock allows me to step outside my comfort zone and have fun,” she said.
As a past performer as well, senior Cameron Lancaster also admitted to overcoming nerves. “It was pretty nerve racking because I had never played in front of so many people,” he said. “But that all goes away as soon as you realize it’s all your friends and peers watching, and they’re there to do nothing but support you and have a good time.”
While Ramstock was a fun night for both classmates and performers, it was also a way to highlight student talent at NCHS. “I think musicians have a hard time defining themselves in high school,” Christy explained. “It seems that it’s easier to establish who you are if you play a sport because you have a team, you have a uniform. Music is often private and unexposed and Ramstock provides a fun atmosphere for students to bring to light their truest passions.”
Junior Kaylee Brea agreed, and believed that the night provided a great opportunity to showcase student artistry. “I came here to support my classmates, and I enjoyed seeing how artically talented our school is,” she said.
Video by Kate Howard & Emilie Kushner
CLICK HERE FOR THE RAMSTOCK 2012 YOUTUBE PLAYLIST
