RUDEMECHANICALORCHESTRA.ORG
RUDE MECHANICAL ORCHESTRA
CONSENSUS, COMMUNITY, AND ACTIVISM are three cornerstones of
the New York City-based radical street band Rude Mechanical Orchestra. It was formed by a handful of musicians and activists in 2004 to protest The Republican National Convention in New York. Their main interest as a group is to counter injustice and support grassroots actions around the city. Founding members include bass drum players Michele Hardesty and Sarah Blust. I spoke to Blust on the phone along with other members of the drum section, Justine Kelly-Fierro and Maggie Schreiner, who both play snare. RMO name Seattle’s legendary anarchist marching band, Infernal Noise Brigade, as a major influence. The music they play is also inspired by traditional tunes of European street bands, as well as whatever they think will resonate with the groups they’re supporting and with the larger community in general. Oftentimes, they play pop songs and incorporate a chant in order to catch the attention of the public. When asked about a memorable performance, Schreiner says the Occupy Wall Street protests were a time when they were able to contribute in a tangible way to a joyous event, as part of the crowd.
learn to play something. Many of RMO’s members have learned to play their instrument within the band, especially the drum section. Blust’s lightweight bass drum was made especially for her, making it possible for her to carry it on the streets of NYC. “Carrying a bass drum in New York City,” she says, “is no joke.”
NAME: MAGGIE SCHREINER AGE: 28 HOMETOWN: TORONTO, ON LIVES IN: BROOKLYN INSTRUMENT: SNARE DRUM NAME: SARAH BLUST AGE: 40 HOMETOWN: D.C. LIVES IN: BROOKLYN INSTRUMENT: BASS DRUM NAME: JUSTINE KELLY-FIERRO AGE: 27 HOMETOWN: HUNTINGTON, NY LIVES IN: BROOKLYN INSTRUMENT: SNARE DRUM
Radical marching bands, Kelly-Fierro points out, subvert and queer the notion of a dictatorial framework in traditional bands. Accessibility is extremely important to RMO. Most of their gear is donated with the purpose of supporting people who want to 29