Brownstock lives on

Despite the uncertain future Brownstock had for much of this school year due to the construction in the Reber Center, organizers have decided that it will happen, but in a different way than the school is used to.

“There’s a sense that Brownstock is something that is so unique to LT that it is so worth keeping and that it is so worth making whatever efforts it takes to make it happen,” English teacher Eugene O’Reilly said. “As long as I’m here and I can make it happen, it will happen. I’m committed to it.”

Brownstock will be taking place in the Vaughan Gym, in conjunction with the annual Car Show on Saturday, May 16.

“I think Brownstock is a wonderful celebration of music at LT, and I love the history and tradition of how it has evolved throughout the years,” Principal Dr. Brian Waterman said. “I was able to attend last year’s event as a guest of Mr. David Franson and I was so impressed with the talents of our students and staff.”

Brownstock would have been the first event taking place in the newly redone Reber Center, and people, including O’Reilly, didn’t feel that it was right to have as the first production, O’Reilly said.

Details of the event are still being coordinated, because with the new location, there are new possibilities. One possible change is for SC students to be offered the chance to perform since it’s no longer an event taking place during the school day and they wouldn’t have to be shuttled over.

The change of the date also means that English teacher, magician, and typically one of O’Reilly’s partners for the event, Frank Alletto, will not be able to attend the event because of previously booked magic shows.

“I think this year’s Brownstock is a good compromise,” Alletto said. “Obviously it’s a hectic year in terms of construction and scheduling. The fact that the administrators are helping the legacy continue is wonderful. The major drawback for the schedule change this year is not being able to be there on the day of Brownstock.”

Alletto was the first ever Brownstock performer, although not officially named that at the time, in 1992, when creator and former English teacher Glen Brown heard that he played guitar and told him to bring it to class so that they can play together in Brown’s old room 117, which is now Alletto’s classroom.

Whether or not Brownstock will return to the Reber next year remains undecided, and the decision will likely be influenced by the outcome of this year’s event.

“There’s a phrase about being the victim of your own success,” O’Reilly said. “We may do it so well in the Vaughan gym on a Saturday that we may just keep it there. The whole essence of what it was, which was a day off of school where kids got together and enjoyed each other playing music rather than going to class, would be lost.”

Auditions for Brownstock will be held the end of April.