By Selma Grows
Support and Education for Local Music and Arts presents the headlining band at the February 7, 2014 event hosted by The Palm Desert Learning Tree Center. It’s a pleasure to present the band and their families. We all know that it takes effort from numerous dedicated sources to create success.
The Y2BD, Yet to Be Determined, history actually begins many years ago when drummer Nicolas Willman, 11, and his cousin, guitarist Noah Arujo,10, started learning their respective instruments. Coming from a musical family, the boys were heavily influenced by hard rock acts such as KISS, AC/DC, Van Halen, and Motley Crue. At family parties the boys began playing songs from these artists and quickly raised eyebrows. And now bass and vocals are respectively handled by Andy Anderson11 and Markus Ortega 9.
Earlier this year, Y2BD began rehearsing with a bass player and a singer, both found from family friends. In March they played their first gig opening up for local band Wyte Gye at Tack Room Tavern in Indio. Their three-song set was well received and the boys were elated to be performing in public.
Y2BD has since played several more gigs and continue to learn new songs. They work very hard at rehearsal, which is held two nights a week. Currently they are rehearsing for their next gig at Indio’s Tamale Festival on December 7 2013. The boys play at 12:30 p.m. on the Sunset Stage.
The Y2BD parents are equally committed to their success and encourage them to expand their musical knowledge. Noah and Andy continue to take guitar and bass lessons. Nicolas’s guitarist father provides a permanent jamming partner for him. Markus’ mother ensures he arrives at rehearsal with lyrics memorized. The bandmates are obviously grateful for all the support they receive.
The boys know the importance of playing their instruments well and learning new songs. Their ultimate goal is to begin writing and recording their own music. For now they are having fun honing their skills on the songs people recognize. Although they do not realize, their performances have had a huge impact on the kids watching them. Y2BD’s parents’ have heard multiple times that other children now “want to do that, too.”
Support and Education for Local Music and Arts is honored to highlight this band. As the seasons change new talent arises and the hope to expand the opportunities in our community. SELMA. Y2BD. Happy Holidays Coachella Valley!
