Jess Cohen, Special to The Denisonian—

Two years ago, I heard grungy electric guitar notes echoing through the first floor of Smith Hall. As I entered the common room, I saw my neighbor, Saul Dorado ‘25, improvising complicated riffs with ease. I had dreamed of playing music on campus and had no idea where to start until that moment. I asked Saul if he was interested in playing lead guitar while I sang and, a few weeks later, we prepared for our first show. 

When we began practicing, I was so nervous that a live performance felt impossible. I had never played original songs for another person, my voice wasn’t exactly angelic, and my guitar skills were limited to chords and basic scales. Yet it was so exciting to rehearse with Saul, bouncing ideas off each other and bringing songs that lived only on notebook pages to fruition. 

After performing in the crammed Smith basement, we congratulated each other enthusiastically. I was eager to play another show with Saul and to grow our band.

Last fall, Lauren Dyer ‘24 joined our group, Third Grade, as a bassist. Sharing the stage with another woman added a new level of confidence and excitement to participate in a band scene that had significantly more men. 

All three of us started writing songs together, giving feedback on what we liked and on what sounded awkward. Soon after, Ari Rubin ‘24 joined on drums, and our goofy practices became the highlight of each week.

As I begin my junior year, I am so grateful for the Third Grade family I share with Saul, Lauren, and Ari. Even when we attend rehearsals overstressed and underslept, we renew each other’s energy by running fast-paced songs and joking in between them. 

No matter where we play, my favorite part of a show is locking eyes with each other and giving little nods if we think the set is going well. 

There is a pride in each other and what we created together that continues to inspire me on and off stage. 

This is all to say that if you have any interest in playing music on campus, just go ahead and do it! There’s only one way to get better, and that’s by continuing to play no matter how it goes (I will never again attempt a slowed down cover of Olivia Rodrigo… I learned from my mistake).

I especially hope more women join the Denison music scene and that more female-fronted bands emerge as new groups are established.

 Even if you’re not a musician, being part of an intimate, creative collective is invaluable. It sparks a new environment for friendships and provides an incredible emotional outlet. 

Though it can be intimidating to share your art with others in both private and public settings, forming a small group with people you trust allows the development of skills and fosters a collaboration built on one another’s unique artistic abilities, ultimately making new creative works. Before you know it, you’ll want to share what you and your friends have worked on with larger audiences. 

From indie bands to knitting circles, there are so many creative groups on campus, and to join one or start your own, is certainly worth pursuing, I promise.