LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Matador Express delivers rock music to high schoolers


The Matador Express performs a variety of 1970s rock and roll songs Oct. 20 on the Miramonte Quad. Photo Casey Scheiner

As students devoured their lunches between classes on Oct. 20, a harmony rang out across the Miramonte quad very different from the usual murmur of conversations: rock and roll. During lunch, the high schoolers listened to their fellow students perform a selection of rock classics. The group, known as the Matador Express, consists of Miramonte students and a teacher who perform together at school.

The band traces their roots back to the end of last school year, when band teacher Thomas Dwyer and English teacher Steve Poling conceived the idea for a group in which students and staff played rock music together. While Poling had to leave the band due to other educational commitments, Dwyer continues to lead the Matador Express, in addition to his other capacities as the teacher of both the Symphonic Band and the Jazz Band.

"I've been here three years and I'm trying to build up the music program, and this is a great way to do this," Dwyer said. "[Poling] suggested we have staff play with students in a rock band, and I thought it was a great idea. Since then, we've been practicing during academy periods when the students have time for independent study."

Much like their teacher, the student members of the Matador Express bring great enthusiasm to their performance, explaining why Miramonte students enjoy both listening to and participating in their concerts.

"I only joined [Matador Express] a month ago, but I'm already enjoying it because I get to be in a rock band," Miramonte sophomore Thomas Boifort, a member of the Matador Express, said. "Bass and guitar are my favorite instruments, so I really enjoy playing metal and rock."

This time, the group focused on rock anthems of the 1970s, like "25 or 6 to 4" and "Does Anyone Really Know What Time Is," both by the band Chicago. However, in future performances, the group may shift to a different time period of rock and roll history.

"Next semester we may add more modern tunes, like from the 90s or 2000s," Dwyer said.

Spectators met the performance with great fanfare, flocking to the quad to take in the music of the Matador Express.

"The concert was lively and lit up the mood for all students," Miramonte junior Kokomi Banerjee said. "I really like having live music on campus because it boosts moods and makes school a more enjoyable place to be, especially during lunch between hard classes."

Fortunately for students like Banerjee, the Matador Express has no plans of stopping.

"We're planning on doing another performance this fall," Dwyer said. "In the spring we'll have brand new tunes and perhaps new performers."