When the school bell rings and their classmates head home, a group of students at Mountain Park Middle School seizes the opportunity to rock out.
Under the tutelage of shop teacher Brent MacPhee, the members of the school’s rock band receive a less than conventional lesson in music.
“It's something I started when I was about the age of these kids here at Mountain Park,” explains MacPhee. “I always just really enjoyed it and thought it would be good to share some of my talents with them.”
MacPhee says his time playing in bands was a rewarding experience.
“When I was in teachers college in Nova Scotia, I played in some rock bands and made some money at it a few days a week,” explains MacPhee. “It kept me out of a little bit of trouble.”
Vocalist Melodie Kivia says she has gained confidence while performing alongside her bandmates.
“It's really fun and it's a small group of people so you really click with them.”
“Mr. MacPhee has actually been a really big inspiration to me,” says singer and guitarist Camryn Likely. “He has taught me instruments that I wouldn't even think that I could play. He has taught me so many things about music and that's my passion.”
Keyboardist Hope Mack says being in the band has done a lot for her.
“I've never performed in front of anyone before,” said Hope. “When I joined this rock band I gained a lot of confidence just performing in front of people and I really have come out of my shell.”
In addition to his shop classes and rock band, MacPhee also teaches the school’s guitar course which instructs approximately 350 students each year.
For all he does to boost the confidence of his rock band members and the musical skills of hundreds of guitar students, Brent MacPhee is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
With files from CTV's Darrel Janz
