Did you know that the R&B Band has been a program at Sentinel for the past 3 decades?! Sentinel’s R&B Band is known for its energetic performances and amazing concerts.
We sat down with Mr. Virag, who leads the band, to learn more about one of Sentinel’s most interesting music programs.
R&B Band is an auditioned course and a senior level class. Currently, there are 6 singers, 5 saxophone players, a trumpet player, 3 guitar players, 1 drummer, 2 bassists, and a keyboard player.The R&B band plays mostly 60 - 70’s R&B, funk and rock. They look for music with a strong rhythm overall.
The R&B Band plays at most school events and at over 6 external events during the year. They also put on their own concerts with the Sentinel Jazz Band called the “Jazz Cafe Series.” The R&B Band is in very high demand across the district and this year, the band was invited to open the district - wide Pro - D Day on August 30th. What a great way to kick off the school year!
What’s really interesting about R&B is the fact that they learn all the music by ear, just by listening to it. There is no sheet music! Mr. Virag says that RnB rehearsals are much more like bands in real life, where he introduces a song and everyone just starts to play and figure it out.
He also says what really draws students into the RnB Band is the lively rehearsal setting, the challenging repertoire and the fact that the students really enjoy the music they play and sing. It’s also a way for students to vent and express themselves, and for senior students to take on strong mentorship and leadership roles.
The R&B is a memorable Sentinel trademark and we wish them even more success in the future!
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