Students provide inspirational Relay for Life music
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She's just 12 years old, but Kayla DeLeebeeck has been singing 'forever.'
"I've been singing since... before I could talk," smiled DeLeebeeck, a student at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Langton and member of the semi-official band of Grade 7 students, The New Yesterday (not their official name).
"We've been singing a long, long time," nodded Kasey McDonald, "but I just started playing guitar about a year ago, maybe."
"I tried singing... in the shower," said drummer Cameron Schoffro.
"They don't like to sing," said DeLeebeeck, nodding toward Schoffro and percussionist Jordan Vanacker.
"We didn't feel like singing – we let them sing today," Schoffro clarified.
"I use drum brushes," said Schoffro, whipping out his brush.
DeeLeebeeck and McDonald provided vocals and guitar during Langton's Relay for Life opening ceremonies Friday morning, with drum and percussion support from Schoffro and Vanacker. Together the band played two inspirational songs – 'Brave' and 'Angel by Your Side.'
"We played Angel by Your Side as a tribute for cancer at our music teacher's Christmas concert," said McDonald.
"Brave is a song Kasey and I have performed many, many times together," said DeLeebeeck.
The four Sacred Heart School students, and Abby Atkinson, first got together as a band three months ago.
"We've been together about three months, maybe," said DeLeebeeck. "We started at the Sanderson Centre (for Education Week)."
"The Celebration of the Arts," said McDonald, recalling their Brantford performance.
Friday's performance won't be their last, said DeLeebeeck.
"We have some gigs coming up this summer. We might be playing at the Watermelon Fest in Straffordville – I still have to speak to some people."
They also have a 'gig' planned at a family-organized music festival near Port Rowan.
The next Langton elementary school Relay for Life is, however, a question mark for the group.
"It's bi-annual, so we'll be in Grade 9," said Schoffro.
"We want to," said DeLeebeeck.