Behind the same stage that once presented artists like Billie Eilish, BTS, and Guns N’ Roses, freshman Ashley Huh prepares herself to step onstage with her bandmates. For four years, she has participated in the School of Rock’s performance program and has since auditioned her way into its highest level, House Band.
School of Rock’s House Band music program consists of a gigging band that performs live shows at various venues throughout the year. One of the most notable includes Troubadour in West Hollywood, which has hosted many icons, including rising artists like Chappell Roan and Lizzy McAlpine, as well as all-time legends such as Elton John and Alicia Keys.
Huh relives the opportunity to perform and holds the memory of performing there close to her heart. She compares it to the way some people might look up to going to Hollywood because some of their favorite actors have worked there.
“[I think it’s really cool that] we’ve gotten to go in these premiums, which is where the band gets ready for the show, and also where other famous bands have previously been […] It’s like Hollywood [for me],” Huh said.
As the guitarist and bassist in numerous performances with House Band over the past year, Huh quickly developed a sense of ease as a performer. This led to her recent participation in the RUHS Theater Arts department.
“I like performing because I think it’s a way to express yourself without having to say a lot of words. [For me it’s] with a guitar. But theater is a different [kind of expression,]” Huh says.
Even after performing every month with House Band, Huh admits that she still gets stage fright before shows. Her nerves, however, dissipate once the show starts.
“I think once you start playing, you think, ‘oh, wait, I know the songs.’ Then you know it’s fine,” Huh said. “Even if you mess up, it’s not that big of a deal.”
Comfort on stage is reinforced through the bonds the band has gradually built through their journey to becoming a part of House Band. Senior Natalie Baker, another guitarist for House Band, feels that close connections have formed during the process of being accepted for House Band.
“You feel more close with the people in House Band because you’re with them for all these gigs and lessons, so you [get to know them really well],” Baker said. “Since we also play the same songs, it feels more comfortable playing them.”
Before every show, the band prepares by chatting with each other as more members show up, and clearing up any questions before heading on stage. Baker recounts Huh’s positive energy onstage, despite apprehension before the show.
“Ashley [is] composed on stage. She’s super nice and has a cool vibe. She plays so well, but she doesn’t [realize] that she’s as great as she is. That is something that I am trying to help her with,” Baker said.
Baker’s friendship with Huh began when they met through School of Rock’s performance program, where they bonded over playing the same instrument and enjoying similar music genres. Later, they both auditioned and made House Band.
“We got really close because we could bond over guitar playing, and we have a similar personality,” Baker said.
In addition to playing guitar for House Band, Huh has recently begun taking dance and vocal lessons. She does so in hopes of having a future in performance.
“I just love the arts. [I think] it’s really fun to put yourself out there,” Huh said. “You don’t always get a chance to.”
