The Branson Rock Band performed on Nov. 19 in this year’s first underground concert — an intentionally relaxed, low-pressure performance space where rock band musicians can try out new material, build confidence and draw in anyone who happens to wander by.
The concerts were introduced by music teacher Jaimeo Brown, who wanted a way to energize the week without the weight of a major event. Though casual in setup, the concerts also serve as an important rehearsal space for the band, helping students grow more comfortable performing for real audiences.
“It was just a fun way to bring something unexpected,” Brown said. “Everything often builds up to these big concerts, but I love the idea of something spontaneous that brings the community together.”
Brown said they also teach students how to handle pressure rather than dealing with it alone.
“Once that audience comes, you have to learn new skills in order to withstand that pressure,” he said. “And it really comes from how they support each other.”
For guitarist Kyle Penczak ’26, the informality is what defines the event.The audiences tend to be small: a handful of faculty members, a few curious students and sometimes entire classes who stop by during their block.
“It’s more like a rehearsal with other people there to give you comments,” Penczak said. “You just drag the amps to the front of Maxwell, set up a little stage space, and go.”
Even with its laid-back feel, the preparation is extensive. The rock band splits into rotating groups across Maxwell and New House, learning several songs at once before performing them for one another the day prior to the concert.
“Per song, we do around four class periods,” Penczak said. “That doesn’t count memorizing lyrics or learning riffs. And if a song doesn’t sound great, we cut it. A lot of what we work on never gets performed.”
Bassist Drew Holden ’26, now in his third year with the Rock Band, remembers being intimidated by his first underground show.
“My first underground concert was pretty scary,” Holden said. “I think an entire Spanish class showed up.”
Now, though, he barely feels nervous and credits the shift to the strong sense of community within rock band.
“You get locked in once you’re on stage,” Holden said. “And there’s this community that’s really beneficial. Jaimeo does a great job making sure everyone feels like we’re in it together.”
Choosing songs, Holden said, is where that togetherness is occasionally tested.
“Sometimes the singers want different songs than the rhythm section,” he said. “You have to be open to different tastes.”
This year has brought new challenges as the band adjusts to an almost entirely new roster of musicians.
“We lost some important members,” Penczak said. “The music taste is really different now — we’re doing more soft rock and indie–but everyone’s supportive.”
Holden, one of three seniors, now finds himself helping guide newer players.
“It’s being part of this really alive machine,” he said. “And also being a leader for people who haven’t been in the band before.”
Brown hopes the low-pressure atmosphere of the underground concerts gives students the freedom to express themselves, make mistakes, and grow without fear.
“Self-expression is a tool,” he said. “When we break through insecurity and fear, that’s when we discover who we are on deeper levels.”
Although casual and unadvertised, the concerts add something unique to Branson’s performing arts culture: a space to learn, to listen, and to find joy in the process rather than the final performance. For anyone who happens to pass by, that joy is contagious.
“If you haven’t been to a rock performance, I highly encourage it,” Penczak said. “We’re all friendly. Come talk to us.”
