The document describes the author's journey from playing music in school bands to playing in various bands after high school. It details how he started on saxophone but switched to drums, then learned bass guitar and guitar. He describes feeling like a rock star when his first band played at a high school talent show. After high school he played in church bands and bars around town, enjoying playing up to four days a week. Later he started bands with friends in his new hometown of Gaylord, including one that became popular playing around the state and signing autographs.

1. Why I’m a Rock Star!
Mr. Authier
English 9
Photo Essay

2. Music has been a part of my life since I was very young.
Some of my earliest memories are of my grandfather, father,
and cousins sitting in my living room and playing for hours.

3. As soon as I was old enough, I began to play in the band at
school. Although I started out on the saxophone, I switched to
the drums in high school.

4. I played in the concert, marching, and pep bands. Being in the
band allowed me to play in several locations across
Michigan; including the capitol building.

5. When our band director
started a jazz band, I
agreed to learn how to
play the bass guitar. This
was the closest thing to a
real rock band I had ever
been in - and I liked it.

6. Although I loved the jazz band, I played my bass wherever I
could. I even played a duet with my girlfriend at the county
fair; we both received blue ribbons.

7. Once I felt comfortable
with the bass, I taught
myself the 6-string guitar.
My first real taste of rock-
stardom was when my first
band played at the high
school talent show - we
rocked, of course.

8. After high school, I
started playing in a
contemporary church
service. That band
eventually learned
some classic rock and
branched out into the
bars around town. I
was 19 and playing as
many as four days a
week - I couldn’t have
been happier.

9. Once that project fizzled, I started several other bands. One of
these bands practiced in a daycare and featured my little sister
on lead vocals.

10. When I moved to Gaylord in 2004, I met several local
musicians. Some of us started a band; maybe you’ve heard of
us. We’ve played on some pretty big stages all over the state
and even signed some autographs.

11. That makes me a . . .