LITEYEARS band puts Orchard Park students in the spotlight with new video
Stoney Creek News
By Mike Pearson
Photo by Mike Pearson. Brent Wirth, front centre, Nick Haberer, front right, along with drummer Joey Muha, front left, appeared at Orchard Park Nov. 23 for a preview of their video for Zeitgeist, which features the OP senior band.
Orchard Park’s senior concert band is enjoying some time in the spotlight thanks to a musical collaboration with pop band LITEYEARS.
Led by Orchard Park alums Brent and Brian Wirth, LITEYEARS filmed videos for all five tracks on their debut EP, American Towns. Along with a 10-piece marching band, a string quartet and some other ensembles, the band teamed up with Orchard Park student musicians for a video shot in April at the Zoetic Theatre on Concession Street.
On Nov. 23, LITEYEARS members Brent Werth, Nick Haberer and Joey Muha, dropped by the school for an impromptu video screening and pizza party in the OP music room.
The OP band accompanies LITEYEARS on the song, “Zeitgeist,” the final track on American Towns.
Brent and Brian, formerly of Thought Beneath Film, have performed at Orchard Park before, at the invitation of their former teachers, David and Wendy Young.
“I don’t think I would be doing what I’m doing now if not for the Youngs and the Orchard Park music program,” said Brent, LITEYEARS’ lead vocalist. “Even after graduating, a lot of people are so well-connected to this program. I just think it’s a testament to how amazing the Youngs are and the experience young musicians have here.”
Tristan Daigneault appears early on in the video, performing on the timpani.
“It was a really amazing experience,” he said. “It really helped me learn more about music and being together.”
Like the Wirth brothers, Daigneault also hopes to become a professional musician. His goal is to travel the world as a drummer on a cruise ship.
Baritone saxophonist Grace Brown also hopes to play professionally, as a member of a pit orchestra. The Orchard Park band’s collaboration project makes her feel that goal is within reach.
“It’s very inspirational because (Brent’s) doing things that a lot of us want to do. It’s good to know that he’s achieving his goals and he wanted us to be a part of that.”
Zeitgeist, which means “spirit of the time,” is the final video filmed in support of the American Towns EP, released in August.
The video will be formally unveiled just prior to the band’s concert on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Mills Hardware. For more on LITEYEARS, see liteyearsmusic.com.
Updated on Monday, December 05, 2016.