Students learn from Lovett band members

Some of the best Sisters High School music students had a rare opportunity last weekend to learn from some of the best musicians in the business. Three members of Lyle Lovett’s band held an educational session Saturday afternoon before their performance in the Sisters Starry Nights Benefit Concert Series.

“We’re here to answer your questions and help in any way we can — this is your hour,” drummer Russ Kunkle told students Benji Nagel, Sam Orwig, Jared Henderson and Justin Veloso.

Kunkle was joined by Lovett bass player Viktor Krauss and guitar player Mitch Watkins. The three experienced musicians seemed truly impressed with the skill level of the four students.

“That sounded great guys!” said Kunkle after the students played their first jazz song.

Kunkle is a veteran of the Starry Nights series, having performed in the first one nine years ago. The accomplished drummer has played with musicians from James Taylor to Bob Dylan and now Lyle Lovett.

Band Director Jody Henderson said several of the students were planning to make music their career. The students have gained experience beyond their years by playing in Sisters’ active music programs. They have won a variety of awards and scholarships.

Kunkle was positive about their chances.

“Your motivation to get to that place will take you where you want to go,” said Kunkle. “Seek people out who are as serious as you.”

Watkins said success is a combination of being in the right place at the right time and being an excellent musician.

Krauss added that the young musicians needed the best instruments to help them stand out.

The musicians advised that there were two roads to take in pursuing a career in music. The students could specialize in one style such as jazz or diversify and play in bands with different styles. They said that being versatile would teach the students more and would bring them more jobs.

The students wondered how to make the leap from being a student who occasionally performs to a person who can make a living from music. The musicians advised getting out to where good music is played and taking all jobs even if one doesn’t seem like a great gig at the time. They said the world of professional musicians is like a big family and jobs come through word-of-mouth.

“I definitely want to learn it to the point where I can support myself,” said drummer Sam Orwig, voicing the ambition of several of the students.

“If you want it bad enough, you can do it,” said Kunkle.