DETROIT – Band is for nerds.
You've heard that statement before and the Detroit Party Marching Band would like to object.
"Definitely there's a stigma that comes with being in band or orchestra for that matter. Definitely a nerd type stereotype for people who do that kind of music," said James Hartrick, who plays trombone with the band.
After seeing the Detroit Party Marching Band perform, you can't deny that these "band nerds" are anything but.
"Yeah, hopefully we're making band cool," said Hartrick.
Their goal is to bring music to spaces that you would not normally see, hear and experience it.
"I live for playing in this band. It's all about the music," said Hartrick.
They bring excitement, energy and intensity to every performance while never amplifying themselves and never performing on a stage.
"Brings out people who like to experience not just a music show but also a theatrical performance. There's parts of music and theatre mixed into one," said Hartrick.
They perform out in the streets, in bars and even at their own festival, Crash Detroit.
"It's just an incredible experience to see people's faces light up. The surprise and sense of wonder on their face, it's really special," said Hartrick.
Check them out this Friday at Sidewalk Detroit.
Kids can even get involved. They've started a new student initiative -- Youth Crash Corps:
Youth Crash Corps is Detroit's first radical street band for youth. Members of Youth Crash Corps learn street band music, participate in impromptu performances and learn how to improvise solos and melodies. Youth Crash Corps will also partner with Detroit Party Marching band for performances. Youth Crash Corps is looking for interested musicians 18 and younger to make this band a reality. They can visit the Youth Crash Corps Information booth at the festival or email info@crashdetroit.org to sign up.
For the 2016 festival, Youth Crash Corps is sponsoring a number of activities to get kids excited about playing music. Kids can get involved in the following ways:
1.) DIY instrument tables: kids and adults alike are welcome to craft bongos, shakers and tube trumpets or trombones out of reusable materials. See how easy it is to make instruments out of just about anything!
2.) Kid Parades: Join us at the Parade Meet Up Spot (see map) with your DIY instrument creations as we create a new song and parade throughout the festival bringing joy to the crowd.
3.) Charity Music Inc. Sound booth: Charity Music Inc. will be joining us with a sound booth where kids can get their hands on real instruments and try them out for themselves. Real musicians will be on hand for demos as well.