High school students tend to have big ideas that are never pursued, for example, starting a successful band. However for seniors Abe Nouri and Jack Adamek, this idea has actually been met with success. The idea for Nouri and his musical friends to start a band came from Terri Newman, the bass guitarist Sean Newman’s father and family friend. The band has been together for four years, and they have changed and grown throughout these years. Recently, they have made the change to being independent, no longer needing the help of former advisor Bob Adamek. Help Wanted, unlike most high school bands, has had a very successful career. They commit to  practicing every week, and play whatever gig they can get, which often leads to more gigs. Because of Help Wanted’s success, they were willing to share several tips for those who wish to start their own band in high school.

“Step one is just having an idea,” Nouri said. “Once you have an idea, find someone who knows what they’re doing to give you guidance. Then you need to to talk to the band members. Communication is key. You want to discuss how you would like to sound like, be like, and the style of music you want to play. For your first songs, figure out songs that you play well together. Once you have talked about those things, don’t try to do too much too fast. We started with three songs, and worked the heck out of them.

After you have started practicing together, keep playing. Even if you are busy, set priorities to practice. Really know your music, because in a gig if something happens, you have to adapt and improvise in a situation.

Be professional, and take EVERY gig. Even free ones. Frequently people at free gigs will hire you for future things, so take the opportunities. When you play gigs, be professional; maybe make business cards. Show that it is a good experience to work with you, and that you are reliable.”

Help Wanted’s success is a lesson to high school students, as well as adults,to not sit around and wait for an opportunity to come. If you have an idea or dream, pursue it, because you never know how it will turn out.