For most UNC students, final exams means long, quiet hours spent studying. But John Brackett’s Music 158 class, the final exam is all about volume and star power.
Music 158 is "Rock Lab," a spring semester course in which students learn the ins and outs of forming a rock band.
The class is in its fourth year at UNC. For Brackett, who also teaches "Intro to Rock," the curriculum is very much a labor of love.
“In just 12 weeks, I watch these students learn so much,” said Brackett. “It's very gratifying to see their creativity really blossom.”
This year, the class has four bands: Suzie Warthog; Identity Crisis; Blonde and a Half; and Peanut Butter and the Jellies.
In addition to learning cover tunes, students in the class are taught how to form, produce and promote a band.
Guest speakers from the music industry also give talks to the class, including label managers, producers and local artists.
The class culminates in a final exam performance, which showcases each band’s first original song. This year, the show is being held at Local 506 on Thursday night.
Leah Moore, a first-year and member of Blonde and a Half, said the class exposed her to different music.
