The band will be performing: “I Got a Feeling” by the Black-Eyed Peas, “Twist and Shout” by the Beatles, “Super Freak” by Rick James, and an original song, “Unidentified Flying Person,” composed by the students. Two of these songs really stuck out to me when I got to hear them perform: “Twist and Shout” and “Unidentified Flying Person.”
The Beatles are arguably one of the most influential bands of the twentieth century, which is why it’s impressive that a high school band like The Johnny Dingus Band is able to cover their song with such skill and depth. Drummer Aaron Bean (‘26) opens with a dynamic intro, followed by guitarists Kylan Gardner (‘24), Asher Matthews (‘25), Kaylynn McCaffery (‘25), Karolina Minasyan (‘26), and Micheal Nordvik (‘24) with the iconic riff to the song. The band’s lead singer Alexa Dengler (‘26) takes up the main verses with immense skill and talent. I think the often overlooked but immensely important piano accompaniment is also incredible, as pianists Mia Davis (‘25), Sky Davis (‘26), Maxwell Hankey (‘26), Adam Keever (‘26), and William Kralec (‘24) work together to provide the song’s melody.
Most impressive of all is their original song “Unidentified Flying Person.” The band worked for over a week to compose all the parts, and their dedication is evident. To make the song, each member contributed an idea for a drum beat while the pianists and guitar players wrote chord progressions. All of these chords and beats were then played by Mr. Sobel, and the entire band decided on which beat and chord they liked the best. For me, the song’s lyrics feel like a metaphor for when you don’t feel like yourself. They focus on what is happening in the writers’ brains, with lyrics like, “Have you read? Probing my mind, All I do is think thoughts and tell lies; psychoanalyze,” and “Never thought that my thoughts weren’t mine; doesn’t matter, because I’m unidentified.” These lyrics convey the feeling that the artists realize they don’t know who they are and are searching inwards to find their identity. And of course, the music behind the vocals is stellar, with an amazing guitar riff that is still stuck in my head.
The Johnny Dingus Band to me is the pinnacle of pure talent among students. The abilities this band possesses are truly impressive every time I hear them perform. I am anxiously awaiting their performance of their entire setlist on Nov. 15 during the lunch shifts.
