The band The Goveneers debuted Jan. 5, opening for the popular band, Low Volume. Both these bands have talented members and a lot of potential. They also have junior Leif McCoy as the guitarist. McCoy is a musician who works to improve his skill constantly and has lots of musical experience.

McCoy started playing his first instrument, the trumpet, back in middle school. In eighth grade, he started playing guitar and it took off from there. Now, McCoy plays six musical instruments, including french horn, mandolin, ukulele, banjo and bass.  He also has singing in his repertoire of musicality.

Participating in symphonic band with the musical or marching band, depending on the season, would make for a very hectic schedule. That doesn’t even account for the two bands that McCoy is a member in. He has practice or rehearsals almost each day, and practices for Low Volume and The Goveneers on the weekends. However, McCoy says the experience is rewarding rather than a burden.

“It’s a different aspect of a social life that not a whole lot of people can say they’re a part of, but to be a part of it is kind of like to be in a cool little club,” McCoy said.

While practicing on his own or with his band is more of a stress reliever, playing on stage for an audience has McCoy singing a different tune. Performing is almost like an adrenaline rush for the musician.  

“I’m not really a ‘I’m gonna go climb a mountain’ type of adrenaline person, but you kind of take on a whole different personality when you go up there,” McCoy said, “You play something and it might be really cool and you don’t have any idea how you managed to do that, but because you’re so excited and you’ve been looking forward to this for several weeks, you just let it all go. It’s a pretty cool feeling.”

Low Volume gets to play around the city of Harrisonburg fairly frequently. This gives lots of opportunity to improve on their performances and music, which is another reason why McCoy enjoys being in the band. Meanwhile, The Goveneers play mainly rock music, which takes McCoy back to his late middle school and early high school years, in which he played lots of rock. Both bands offer something unique for McCoy’s experience of music.

“The whole thing has been really great. The formation of a group, then slowly improving and seeing the improvement process and then getting to a point where you’re good enough to play out around town is great,” McCoy said.

Through dedication and hard work, McCoy has become an excellent musician. He has improved even more after being part of a band. After all of it, he has earned the privilege to play on the stage and perform with his friends.