THE DOWNBEAT OF FRYBREAD – THE BAND
Get to know the Nay Ah Shing students behind the music By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor Back in April of 2022, Nay Ah Shing schools began offering a non-traditional music elective to middle and high school stu dents. The class is taught by Social Studies teacher Joe Covert who teaches the students how to play rock and roll. Think of the 2002 movie, “School of Rock” (starring Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, and Sarah Silverman). The NAS students had little or no experience in rock and roll, let alone performing in front of an audience. While not all of the shenanigans of the movie happen in this class, one similarity is the student’s enthusiasm for learning the art of rock and roll. The Nay Ah Shing Band is now called Frybread. They have performed for several Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe functions and have taken their show on the road to perform at venues in the metro area as well as in Brainerd.
There have been some changes to the musicians and singers in the ensemble since the first performance, but the current students continue to bring the beats with bridges and chorus’ and mild to loud crescendos and popular riffs in classic rock and roll.
In the process of learning each riff and memorizing each note, the students learn to play their choice of instruments and how to perform on stage. The bonus is students also bond with one another and learn to work as a team. They also develop important life skills, such as problem-solving, leadership, patience, practice, persistence, responsibility, and creative thinking. And they are having a blast!
MEET THE BAND
Amelya Pacheco-Leecy is the heartbeat of Fry bread. Her bass playing is rock solid and smooth. She has music in her blood, having a father who is a musician and songwriter. In addition to playing bass, Amelya has fronted the band as lead singer. Her talent is extraordinary.
Cass Sam is the lead singer and front man for Frybread. He is the face of the band, and he ex udes charisma. He is a natural entertainer, and he does the Michael Jackson "moonwalk" better than anyone alive! Frybread is fortunate to have an out standing showman like Cass fronting the band. He has a resonant vocal tone,
Bryce Cash is Fry bread's powerhouse drummer. With his steady meter, he drives the band. This young man has tremendous talent. In addition to playing the drums, Bryce is also an accomplished guitarist. He has the strongest work ethic among the students. He always comes to rehears al prepared, spending countless hours practicing at home.
Cayleigh Nickaboine plays bass guitar and, along with sister Hayden and cousin Mercedez, she is a member of Nay Ah Shing's premier rock and roll family. Her musi cianship is a driving force in Frybread. She plays the signature riffs in songs like Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" and the Beatles' "Day Tripper."
Hayden Nickaboine joined the band at its inception in April, 2022. She is an outstanding bassist. Frybread plays the Animals version of "House of the Rising Sun" because it was suggested by Hayden. She has influenced the sound and the repertoire of the band. Her input has helped the band round out its song list.
Mercedez Anderson is a drummer and singer. This multi-talented student is a veteran of many Frybread performances. She played drums for a sold-out house at Le Musique room in St. Michael. Her experience and poise on stage lend a quality of professionalism to the band. Mercedez will sing a blues song with Cass Sam at each December performance of Frybread.
BECOME A FRYBREAD GROUPIE
The band will be performing on the following dates in December. Watch for more performances announced as they become available.
December 13 — HHS holiday party
December 17 — McGregor District II Party
December 19 — Isle District II Party
December 20 — Education Staff Christmas Event