For Those About to Rock: Kickin’ it New School

Jenn Cohen | June 1, 2013 | 0 Comments

by: Stephan Hume

photos: Kevin Shaw

Don’t go throwing away your guitar if you’ve just started; it’s never too late to rock. But, for that matter, it’s never really too early. My reasoning: Rarely do you find such a formidable force as this month’s young band feature. They play more gigs than you’d think, write their own music, host talent shows, and more! And did I mention their age? They are in elementary school.

Folks, meet New School. Consisting at the core of Jude and Abbey Shaw, they are a force to be reckoned with. They are young, and very articulate. They are talented, and always willing to learn. They are here to entertain. I met them when they recently joined the rock music program at Colorado’s premier music lesson school, Band Dynamics. Their family is very supportive of their music and the Band Dynamics mission for everyone to play to their potential. Together, we would all like to feature the start of a very fun music adventure that is already well underway.

CMB: How did the idea for New School Start?

AS: The idea of our band, New School, started when we were driving in the car and we were coming up with really, really, really lame names. And then my dad had the idea of saying, “New School!” So then we just talked about our uniforms, which are more like “old school” clothes, so if you kinda get it, it works.

CMB: You two are how old? What are your goals as such a young band? What songs can you play?

JS: I am nine years old. I want to someday play as an opener for a big band! One of the first songs we learned was “Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones. Now we are playing more complex songs like “Hotel California” by the Eagles.

AS: I am 11 years old. My goals have to probably be, trying to become a little more locally famous, if not more widely famous, and I am excited to open up with the “National Anthem” soon. And basically, I play the same songs as Jude, because we are in the same band (laughter).

CMB: Talk about what you do for lessons to keep your skills up to speed. What are you working on right now?

JS: Well, first of all we started going to Band Dynamics, and they have helped us so much; we are learning a lot. They have a Dojo, which is really cool, which allows you to test up in your instrument. I am a white belt on guitar right now. I am working on learning “Back in Black,” and I take saxophone lessons at the moment, too.

AS: So, we just started doing lessons. I play keyboard, and I am decent, and trying to get to the point where I am kind of good at it, and I also sing. Right now I am trying to learn “Let it Be” and doing band with another awesome girl who plays bass.

CMB: If you could tell any other band the most important thing you have learned so far, what would it be?

AS: The most important thing I could tell any band is definitely working together, and if you don’t do that you don’t really get anything done. It’s exciting to meet other people and play instruments, but you have to cooperate a lot.

CMB: By the time people read this, it will be June. What are some gigs they can look forward to seeing you play? Also, you have a website, yes?

JS: We have a big National Anthem, a show at Herman’s Hideaway with Band Dynamics on June 8, and a charity gig for Easter Seals camp. All can be found on our website (www.judeandabbey.com).

AS: Thank you for reading this, and tell us at a gig when you see us that you read our interview, and that will make us feel really great. And here are Jude’s last words:

JS: We rock, Colorado!