The Music Path will present the PLAY-off — a battle-of-the-bands event — featuring five Hoover and Clark high school student bands that will perform multiple genres of contemporary music on Wednesday, May 17, with the main event starting at 7 p.m. in Hoover’s auditorium.
“Our school-based PLAY-off program was created and run by members of the music industry in partnership with public education, to provide high school students the creative space to explore their personal music paths,” said founder Mitch Zelezny. “We emphasize collaboration, professionalism and live performance over computer-based music creation.”
After a three-year disruption due to COVID-19, the PLAY-off pilot at Hoover High School is back. This groundbreaking after-school program, created with Robby Krieger of The Doors, provides high school students the opportunity to form bands and choose their favorite music to rehearse and perform in this end-of-year competition. Unlike most extracurricular programs, this is almost entirely student-driven.
The Music Path provides the on-campus rehearsal studio, with performing artists who provide technical support, inspiration and guidance only as needed. Students learn to collaborate and coordinate school/practice/life balance while learning and performing the music they’re passionate about.
Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $5 for high school students and free for all other ages. Students will need to show their student ID. Tickets are available online at themusicpath.org, or at the event.
Additionally, there will be Italian street food for purchase prior to the event at 6 p.m.
The Music Path is a nonprofit fiscally sponsored by Glendale Arts and created with Robby Krieger. Its mission is to build a supportive community among high school musicians, emerging artists, and all passionate about the spirit of contemporary music.
First published in the May 6 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
