Remember the amazing performance of “Someday” by The Strokes at the winter recital? Introducing the HSMSE rock band: Anna Keh (’27), Sam Rosner (’26), Joel Gokalp (’25), Leo Mazur (’25), Marc Dorenfeld (’25), and Vawn Williams (’25). They spend about an hour each week working on songs the group selected until they are near perfection. You may have seen them at our winter talent show, but their most recent performance was at the superintendent’s office.  

On February 27, the rock band performed at the Manhattan High School District Tiny Desk Concert, a high school version of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. Tiny Desk Concerts are live performances from the NPR music headquarters, recorded from (as described in the title) a tiny desk. These small concerts are very popular, and your favorite artist has very likely performed at one—Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Usher, and Dua Lipa are just a few examples. HSMSE is the fourth school to participate in the high school concert, after Stuyvesent, Talent Unlimited, and Manhattan Village Academy. The HSMSE rock band performed covers of “Breaking the Girl” by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and “This Charming Man” by The Smiths. At the high school level, they performed at Superintendent Gary Beidleman’s office instead of NPR’s. Joel contacted Christopher Lagares, head of the Manhattan High School District Instagram account, and made plans to perform. 

Joel said that “​​It was really cool because [Gary Beidleman], along with the rest of his staff, were there to watch!” Their performance was amazing, and proved that HSMSE students can excel in both the sciences and the arts. And this isn’t the end for them! They are still practicing, often at 6/8 Studios, down on 2nd Avenue and 4th Street. The band will continue to rehearse, and hopefully perform again next year. Though we can’t reveal what they’re working on next, be ready, because we can assure you that the band has great plans for the future. Without the seniors, however, the band cannot continue, which is why they need some of you to join! If you’re interested in playing next year, email [email protected]. 

If you’re interested in seeing their Tiny Desk performances, check out the Manhattan High School District Instagram page and the HSMSE band Instagram page!