Beats, Brass & Breaking the Mold: Why Being a Band Kid is a Power Move

Why has being in band carried a stigma for so long? And more importantly, how are today’s young musicians proving that being in band isn’t just cool, but a launchpad for creativity, confidence, and success?In this episode of Up+Adam, we dive into the world of high school band, where talent, passion, and community come together in a big way. At San Luis Obispo High School and Laguna Middle School, the music scene is thriving—and on April 5th, the Beats & Brass fundraiser is set to showcase just how powerful these programs are.Beats & Brass will be an unforgettable evening of live music, featuring performances from the SLO High jazz ensembles and The Funk Junket. Attendees will enjoy great music, incredible energy, and delicious food from Old SLO BBQ, Beer & Wine—all while supporting music education for young musicians.Joining us to talk about the event, the power of music education, and what it really means to be a “band kid” are:Wes Bisheff – Junior, keys player, and rising jazz musician.Charlie Valadao – Senior, tenor sax, and jazz enthusiast.Greyson Diringer – Freshman, saxophonist, and next-gen band leader.Kait Diringer – Passionate band mom with a front-row seat to the impact of music education.Tom Mendoza – The ultimate hype man and proud band dad.We’re tackling the stereotypes, celebrating the wins, and highlighting why band is more than just an extracurricular—it’s a life-changing experience.Event Details:Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Riata Ranch, 6180 West Pozo Road, Santa Margarita, CA Tickets: GET THEM HEREConnect with SLO High School Band:Website: SLO Tiger BandInstagram: @SLOIMBA ********BEATS & BRASS: AT RIATA RANCH SUPPORTING MUSIC EDUCATION AT SLO HIGH AND LAGUNA MIDDLE SCHOOL. *******Chef Rachel Dinner 3/22 Info: For one night only, Booker Vineyard is turning their tasting room into a full-service restaurant, and Chef Rachel is the Chef! Check out link HERE********Listen to Up+Adam with Adam Montiel:Official Website: adammontiel.comApple Podcasts: Up+Adam on Apple PodcastsSpotify: Up+Adam on SpotifyiHeartRadio: Up+Adam on iHeartRadioYouTube Music: Up+Adam on YouTube Music********Moonshiner Collective – Live Performance 3/29Moonshiner Collective, the band behind the Up & Adam theme song “Start Again”, will be performing live at Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills on March 29.Tickets and event info: MoonshinerCollective.com********CHECK OUT OUR WOODS HUMANE PET OF THE WEEK!********ADAM’S TEDX VIDEO IS HERE!********FOLLOW ADAM ON INSTAGRAM*********Sincere Thanks to the supporters of Up + Adam. Please take a moment and visit them and thank them for supporting local broadcasting, and valuing what we do here. Thank you for supporting them!Window Coverings By DesignWe Help You LegalGeneral Store Paso RoblesDaou VineyardsWoodsHumaneSocietyTin City DistilleryOriginal Music by Dan Curcio and Moonshiner CollectiveMoonshiner on Spotify HEREPlease Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the podcast, and learn more at AdamMontiel.com