Strumming chords for success

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

April 6, 2012

Local bands gathered at the Downey High School gym on Fri., March 30 to share their music with an audience of eager teenagers. The concert, hosted by ASB, was originally designed to be a Battle of the Bands but after a shortage of contestants turned out to be a fundraiser to promote the TLC program. A majority of the groups had a very alternative and hardcore style to them, with obvious influences such as Paramore, A Day to Remember, Bring Me The Horizon and other artists of that sort. Their genres are not the only thing that the musicians have in common. They also share the same goal: To make it big in the music industry alongside their idols.

Among the set list were bands With Total Force, Call Of The Messenger, and Paranoia Unfold. Freshman and lead singer of With Total Force, Kayla Nadal has been working with her brothers on becoming better musicians and took advantage of the opportunity for a performance that Friday.

“We just want to make it big like Paramore,” Nadal said. “We want to make it and tour around the world, it’s our biggest dream.”

Likewise, senior Juan Santana from the band Silence of Autumn shares him and his band mates goals.

“It would be great to get our name out there,” Santana said. “We would really love to play at the popular Warped Tour; that would be awesome.

The aspiring musicians are making the trying their best to make it big and taking every chance they get to share their music with an ever expanding audience. The concert was filled with a few rowdy students who seemed to be so inspired by the heavy music of their peers they looked to start a commotion. The hardworking students at ASB did their best to calm down the kids without putting an end to the fun.

“There were a few intense moments during the show,” commissioner of Pep Carla Rosales. “Overall, the event was chaotic but we had it under control.”

Despite the urge to release the angst that was accompanied by the rock, both performers and audience members made the most of the humble concert. The musicians used the performance as another live experience and their peers cheered them on from the stand while enjoying their favorite kind of music.

About the Contributor

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground. While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray. Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.