Student musicians put on stellar February show, look forward to May extravaganza

By Kurtis Hansen

From covers of Panic! at the Disco and the Beastie Boys to originals by Matt Owen, Molly Wing and Colfox, the February 19th S.P.A.C.E concert was a dazzling portrayal of the diverse musical talents in Dexter High School. After attending a S.P.A.C.E show, one might have a difficult time believing the stereotype that describes the club as predominantly metal and country.

To those who have never heard of the club, much less the stereotypes: S.P.A.C.E has absolutely nothing to do astronomy, NASA, or Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny. S.P.A.C.E (Student Produced Artistic Collaborative Events) is an opportunity for students and teachers to play whatever music they’d like to alongside their friends and other musicians.

“The club is about music, expression, creativity, and it’s open
to everyone,” DHS English teacher and Supervisor Barry Mergler
said. “My last years of high school would’ve been more enjoyable
if I could’ve performed three times a year.”

The reasons for attending the club are as widely ranged as the music played at each concert. Some students may join to further their musical career, while others may simply play music as a hobby or to gain experience with performing.

“I really enjoy playing music and writing it; especially writing it,” senior Jacob Emrich said, “chicks love it.”

Junior Matt Owen has been a foundational performer in S.P.A.C.E, but hasn’t stopped there.

“I record some of my songs with my neighbor; he’s a musician and also has a recording studio,” Owen said. “After we record, we upload them to SoundCloud or ReverbNation.”

Though the weekly meeting attendance had been suffering from a harsh decline over the last two years, a recent spike in interest has expanded the influence and created options for S.P.A.C.E.

“The next concert is going to be the biggest this year; we’re working on a couple surprises for it,” Mergler said, referring to the May 13th concert. Each performance has been, and will continue to cost only $3, the “lowest price you’ll find for this much talent.”

S.P.A.C.E is always eager to gain more performers and no experience is necessary. To join, Mergler said, one only has to inform him of their interest and they can secure up to 30 minutes in an upcoming concert.