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Arts & Entertainment

Whiz Kids: Caleb Jenkinson and Marcus Tamkin

These Port teens are part of the five-member band, Rooftop Manor.

For its inaugural Whiz Kids column, Port Washington Patch is featuring two Port Washington teens who are members of the five-person band Rooftop Manor. The band was one of 10 nationwide finalists at the National Association of Music Merchant’s (NAMM) SchoolJam Best Teen Band Competition on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011 in Downtown Disney in Anaheim California.

 Whiz Kids:

Marcus Tamkin, age 16, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, and Portledge School student.

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Caleb Jenkinson, age 16, guitarist, keyboardist and singer and student.

Accomplishment: Rooftop Manor was one of 10 nationwide finalists in SchoolJam USA's Best Teen Band competition. The band won $1,000 for its high schools and $250 for the band to spend on gear. 

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Keys to awesomeness that drives success: 

Tamkin: The dream of making a career out of playing music. I push my body to stay up late, make time to practice and to control the sounds and effects coming from my guitar. I would enjoy it very much if I could spread my musical message for a living. When I first started playing, I was most influenced by Chopin and Thom Yorke. My goal is not to be successful in music it is just to play music even if that means that Chuck-e-Cheese needs an extra guitarist, I'm in.

Jenkinson: Playing in this competition was an amazing experience for all of us. We were all so excited just to be playing in California that the moment almost seemed unreal. We had a lot of fun on and off the stage and it was just an overall great experience. My favorite musician would have to be John Mayer. I love his music because his songs consist of such beautiful guitar riffs and melodies, which are combined with poetic and meaningful lyrics. Along with his songwriting talent, he is also an unbelievable guitarist, which makes him one of the most versatile musicians out there. I think that success is accomplishing whatever goals you set for yourself – whether its fame, recognition, or even just playing gigs in local areas. If you are happy and satisfied with yourself, then you are successful. 

Contributing factors: 

Tamkin: The countless amount of shows and time practicing has played its role. At the competition, I think that as far as expanding sounds and toying with effects we stood out the most. We were the only band that experimented with multi effects and synth sounds in order to broaden our sound.

Jenkinson: I think that Rooftop Manor stood apart from the rest of the bands based on its originality. We were by far the most different sounding band there and I think that in the long run, that is what will distinguish us and leave a lasting impression on people.

Advice for other kids starting a band:

Tamkin: For any kid looking to start a band, find people you like to work with and experiment. My best friends are in my band so spending time with them is so much fun.

Jenkinson: My advice for other kids who may want to start a band is first of all, try finding other kids with at least some of the same musical tastes as you. Having somewhat of a general consensus of how you would like the band to sound is very helpful. Also, if you would like to see improvements in your band and get to the places you want to go, you should to be prepared and willing to put time and effort into your instrument(s), in and outside of rehearsal. You should also be aware that the band will come to some disagreements, and that compromising will be necessary because not everyone will share the same opinion. 

Best advice received:

Tamkin: Advice has never helped, only experience has.

Jenkinson: Work hard at everything you do.

See the band’s performance at SchoolJam here. Video that the band submitted for the first round of the SchoolJam competition is here.

Rooftop Manor has one CD available with three original songs: www.myspace.com/rooftopmanor

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