Erich is 13 he plays guitar, sings and writes songs for the band. David is 15 and plays the bass and guitar. Nathan is 14 he’s on the drums and back up vocals. Paige and Fallon Mills are 12 year-old twin sisters who recently joined the band on vocals.
myspace.com/augustskyrocks
Why did you start playing music? Erich: When I was 8 years old my parents thought it would be good for me to learn how to play an instrument. They let me choose it, so I chose the guitar. They bought me a Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar because it was small and would be easier for me to play.
David: I started playing music because I wanted to be in the praise band in my church. I joined August Sky and a while later I was asked to be in the church band the day that we started recording the ’That’s Rock and Roll’ cd. Fallon & Paige: We’ve been in “training” since birth. The “music-bug” runs in our family. Our mom did some performing and recording before we were born and our grandmother and her 3 sisters were part of a group who performed and recorded songs, such as “Mr. Sandman”. We danced before we could walk and sang before we could talk. Have you had any lessons or training? Erich: I started taking lessons when I was 8 years old and in the 2nd grade. I have continued to take lessons 1 hour per week. I have also played in the Monterey Blues Festival and I have taken the Jazz Program three times at MPC. I’ve also taught myself the bass, mandolin, and piano. David: My training includes a few months of bass lessons, three year of guitar lessons and being in two bands-August Sky and the church band. Fallon & Paige: We currently receive voice & vocal technique lessons from Aimée Puentes, who has sung in many leading opera roles and has performed with the San Francisco Opera. We have taken some
piano lessons and we are also learning the guitar. Do your parents support your music? Erich: Yes, my parents are very supportive! They buy equipment for the band; help with setting up gigs, and advertising gigs. My parents are the best roadies. David: My parents take me back and forth for lessons, take me to gig’s, buy the little things that all musicians need like picks, strings, cables, repair of things, etc. Fallon & Paige: Ours completely support us, because they see how much time we put into singing and dancing. They come to every practice and gig that we do. As long as we have the right attitude and level of commitment, they will do whatever it takes to see our dreams come true. What is your ultimate musical goal? Erich: I would like to major in music production when I go to college. David: To make friends, grow more mature, and make more music. Fallon & Paige: Our plan is to stay focused, always achieving, and always succeeding. We want to make music that everyone can enjoy: both the young, and the old. Singing, dancing, and choreography are what make us happy. Simply put, we want to be the best that we can be, and above all……..give the glory to God!
Danny Gestri is 13 he plays Guitar and is the lead Vocalist. Chris Gestri is 13 and he plays the Drums. Tim Wills DeTone is 12 and plays the Bass.
Why did you start playing music? Danny: Because I liked listening to music and I thought guitar was the coolest instrument. I started singing because the band needed a singer. Chris: It seemed like a cool idea. I was influenced by the Jackie Rocks band. Tim: My dad is a drummer in a band and that influenced me. Have you had any lessons or training? Danny: I take weekly lessons with Peter Cor; I’ve taken them for the last 2 ½ years. Chris: I take weekly drum lessons with Olaf Schiappacasse. I’ve taken them for the last 2 ½ years. Tim: I take bi-weekly lessons with Robin Macomber. All: As a group, we work with Robin Macomber from Santa Cruz Performing Arts, to work on song-writing and on the band as a whole. Do your parents support your music? At gigs, they help us carry equipment and set up. They’re our roadies.
myspace.com/rapidfiresc Our (Chris and Danny’s) mom manages the band – lines up shows, sets up recording studio appointments, helps promote the shows. They help us buy equipment and pay for music lessons. All of our parents support us being in a band. What is your ultimate musical goal? Danny – To be more famous than the Rolling Stones, to go on a world tour, and to play at giant amphitheaters. Chris - To be a successful professional musician and make great music. Tim – To play at Shoreline Amphitheater and go on a world tour.