Things were a little bit different inside the Bert DeRose Theater at Amsterdam High School Wednesday afternoon.
Students were screaming, waving their cell phones in the air and dancing to the sounds of an alternative rock band from Boston. They were told to be louder, to stand up, students were even standing on the seats so they could see better.
The fact that their cell phones were even allowed to be turned on was a treat. High school Principal David Ziskin told students to get their cell phones out and turn them on, which generated cheering of its own.
The occasion was a concert by Boston-based Thirteen Yards to Victory, which used Amsterdam High School as the testing site for its new tour promoting their new album and their message about the importance of music and art education programs.
“This is a big change for our school,” Allie Seyfried, 14, a freshman, said.
Students seemed to enjoy themselves. By the third song in the band’s set, students were on their feet and the girls had already fallen in love with 20-year-old lead singer Anthony DiPerri.
For more info
Click here for Thirteen Yards to Victory’s Facebook page and here for its MySpace page.
“I never thought something like this would happen at our school,” sophomore Sarah Adamowsi, 15, said. “I think everyone really enjoyed themselves. I know I did.” The concert and the fact that five cute boys from Boston were wandering around the high school was basically all anyone could talk about all day, Seyfried said, plus the noise of the concert could be heard throughout the hallways.
However, high school and district officials said the disruption was worth it because of the band’s positive message.
Thirteen Yards to Victory, a group whose five members are between 18 and 22, started the I’m an American Dreamer Project. Every time someone downloads their album the money will go toward music and art education programs. The band wants to tell students to have a dream and follow it.
“I think that’s what our message really is,” band member Dave Rossi said. “Have a dream and follow it. Do what you want to do and accomplish all that you can.”
Categories: Schenectady County
