Proud to be a back bencher

23 July,2010 07:08 AM IST |   |  Prashant Nawgrahe

The Guide caught up with a unique band that boasts of 150 members, aged 6 to 70, who are proud not to be front benchers


The Guide caught up with a unique band that boasts of 150 members, aged 6 to 70, who are proud not to be front benchersu00a0

At some point or another in our life, we have aspired to be a front-bencher but always knew the ones at the back had so much more fun. This weekend, the classical rock band that will perform at HRC call themselves the Back Benchers and consist of 150 members who have performed 30 concerts in different cities across the country. For this concert, however, only 50 of the members will be performing.



The band was formed in 2004 with just 10 students and has grown with word-of-mouth acclaim. "The aim is to provide a platform to students who are keen to learn music but don't have the resources to do so," says Vinit Alurkar, a city-based musician who is the founder of Back Benchers.

He adds that the quirky name was the suggestion of a friend. Today, their students learn various instruments like the guitar, piano and play different genres of music. "Our approach to music is very simple, we want students to enjoy the class and for that to happen, it is important that they relate to it from the start," adds Vinit.

They pay a lot of attention to the interest levels of the students and make sure they stay interested as that ensures they will practise over time. Age is no bar and their members are from all age groups, from six to 70.

The band will perform at Hard Rock Cafe on July 25 where students will perform the guitar and drums and pay a tribute to famous US band Green Day. The programme will end with some rock songs that will be blended with Indian classical elements.

From: July 25, 4 pm to 6 pm
At: Hard Rock Cafe, Mundhwa.
Call: 40158811

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Back Benchers 150 band members The Guide Pune HRC