1/10 sets the stage for upcoming Clark musicians

Building robots, working with computers, and taking challenging courses seem like the norm for Clark students since the school’s creation in 1998. Sometimes students search for an escape that will take their minds off of intimidating AP exams and endless essays.

That’s what junior Josh De Leon had in mind when he started a band, 1/10, with his closest friends. De Leon began the band during his freshman year, right after Clark’s annual talent show. He witnessed an opportunity to become what De Leon hopes could be the greatest band originating from Clark.

“Clark needs something to be proud of besides our stellar academic record and robotics team,” De Leon said. “Something grounded in the finer arts that appeals to everybody.”

1/10 consists of drummer David De Leon, Josh’s brother who graduated last year; rhythm guitarist and senior Alfredo Degoma III; bassist and junior James Gill; and Josh De Leon as the singer and lead guitarist. The band typically meets once a week in De Leon’s garage.

The band generates a lot of excitement from the Clark student body which is why they’re usually invited to play during events held at the school. Though 1/10 mostly plays song covers that others have requested, their exuberance and youthful sound provides enough originality to make the songs seem like their own.

They also have good-hearted humor that resonates through their performances. Gill, during a show, can usually be seen wearing a horse mask, and during interludes, he sometimes runs around and encourages people to clap along to the music. Even their band name reflects who they are. “We named it 1/10 because that’s what our music sounded like in the beginning,” said Degoma, laughing, “We rated our music.”

Their ability to emulate the styles of their musical influences was one of the reasons why they gained so much success so quickly in the school. Their overall sound takes on a suave quality that almost resembles indie rock bands like The Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys.

“The best song we’ve ever played would probably be “R U Mine?” by Arctic Monkeys,” Gill said. “I’ve wanted to play that song with the band since we were in middle school.” The song was also a crowd favorite and induced the greatest reactions from the students listening at lunch during the Clark rally a week before the Winter Formal. 1/10 is more of a “people’s band” because of their continuous attempts to please the roaring crowd of students.

Despite the fact that all four band members have played instruments since middle school, none say they plan on expanding their interests in music to a future career. “We’ll always get together and jam with each other, even as we get older because it’s what makes us happy and it’s our idea of fun,” Degoma III said. Degoma was a replacement for the band’s first guitarist, senior Tyler Lofftus, who quit because of scheduling conflicts.

Each member contributes something to the band. The De Leon brothers inject energy with their talent and vigor; Gill supplies the rumbling bass that’s essentially the backbone of the band and let’s not forget his humorous onstage antics; and Degoma sets the rhythm with his smooth guitar riffs while hitting every note in all the right places.

Each one of them is a perfect variable that together makes a cohesive chemical equation. “They’re the type of band that makes each person in the crowd want to tilt their heads closer to hear every note they play,” said junior Madeline Bejanian. Bejanian can often be seen sitting along the stairs of the amphitheater, along with other students, watching 1/10’s performance.

Not only is the band spreading positive vibes to the student body, but it is also inspiring them. Three of the four members of the band are regular attendees of Clark’s Music Club and they’ve helped infuse creativity and music into both the club and the school. “I believe there should be more support for students who are willing to perform,” Joshua De Leon said. “We’re so wrapped up in our studies here that it would be nice to have something to entertain us besides an mp3 playing at lunch.”

Another opportunity to witness their talent will come during March at the annual talent show. 1/10 is already planning on performing everyone’s top requested hits and sending the crowd off to spring break with a memorable show locked in their heads.