“Because my ancestors fought for ’em rights jus’ like they should. So I be playin’ them drums ta represent my freedoms uh-expression!”

Free State junior Scuber Martin may not have the desire to construct a sentence that would satisfy his English teacher, but he certainly knows how to create, as he might say, “a dope beat.” He is one of many Lawrence teenagers spending time making music in garages, basements, bedrooms and back yards. It is not a new idea to learn an instrument and play it with friends, but with new sound altering and recording technology, today’s youths can do things that were only possible in expensive studios 20 years ago.

“Jamming has been around for a while; it’s just people having fun and making music that will probably never be made again, which has a fun factor to it,” said Josh Mitchell, also a Free State junior.

Many teens see having jam sessions with one another an effective way of improving their musical skills.

“I consider jamming a free lesson,” Free State High School graduate Brenton Bartz said. “It’s an opportunity to experience other musicians styles and playing habits.”

However, every musician has a different preference. “Personally,” Mitchell said, “I prefer being a member of one set band because I feel I can grow more as a musician. I like to write my own bass lines and stick to them; then I can play songs live and people will get to know them.”

As larger touring acts tend to take up the stages at most venues around town, Lawrence youths have found their own places to play for an audience. Playing on makeshift stages at places like the Lawrence Public Library has provided many teens with their first taste of stardom. Tyler Levy, a Lawrence High School sophomore, said, “It’s a good way for bands to play for the public. Most ‘garage bands’ don’t get to do that.”

When asked about the talent she notices at these shows, Levy said, “Some are insanely good, but some aren’t, but they all try really hard.” While many stick to private parties, other local bands take the next step to playing at venues like the Bottleneck in downtown Lawrence or at various music festivals.

You don’t have to be smart to play an instrument. “It’s just fun,” Mitchell said. Bob Marley might have explained the sentiment of these Lawrence youths the best when he sings, “One good thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel OK.”

Worn and tarnished from hours of play, Aber Miller's drumsticks have seen better days.

Caleb Powers is junior at Free State High School.