In a cool Stittsville basement, eight young musicians aged 12-16, came together to form a rock band, calling themselves The Beetle Squishers. The name is a nod to their two music teachers/coaches who front popular Ottawa Rock band, SpiderKillers.
The band has been given a huge challenge: learn two classic rock songs as a group in only four practices and then perform the songs on stage at The Brass Monkey at U-Rock’s winter concert on Sunday, February 1st, in front of more than 150 fans…WHAAAT??!?
The band members are all students at U-Rock Music School but it’s the first band experience for all of them and the kids were very eager to get rocking. Singer Grace Carrie, 13, was asked to play drums and she’s risen to the challenge like a true pro. Guitarist Liam Marelic, 13, was asked to play bass; he too has shown great spirit in taking on a different instrument for this event. Acoustic guitarist Aidan Kratt, 12, knew this would be fun but hard work and he’s done extremely well. Lead guitarist Bex (Becky Hall) age 16 has a big job to do and is skillfully working with the guys, holding down the musical backbeat of the tunes.
Singers Kaitlyn Weatherall, 14, Sarah Culbert, 13, Kyrstein Wright, 16 and Abigail Moffitt, 12, are all doing an amazing job as the front line of the band, blending their unique voices to totally rock out the tunes.
This talented group of teens and tweens will be fun to watch on February 1st at their concert premier. The M&M’s are fuelling their energy at practice each week, but ultimately it’s their combined talent that makes them so special.
Has a new rock/pop teen sensation been born? The Beetle Squishers just may be the next big thing in the Ottawa teen music scene.
From left to right, Kaitlyn Weatherall, Kyrstein Wright, Sarah Culbert, and Becky Hall.
Aidan Kratt on acoustic guitar
M&Ms power the Beetle Squishers during practice. Abigail Moffitt is pictured at right.
Grace Carrie on drums
From left to right, Kaitlyn Weatherall, Kyrstein Wright, and Sarah Culbert.
Becky Hall on guitar
Sarah Culbert, left, and Becky Hall at band practice
Liam Marelic takes on bass guitar
Abigail hams it up at practice