Break Of Reality Concert Will Offer A New Look At Music

By Nancy K. Crevier

“We’re not trying to sell out of either classical or rock music, we just want to challenge listeners on both spectrums,” explained Christopher Thibdeau, a member of the versatile rock band Break Of Reality. Reed Intermediate School students and Newtown residents will have the chance on November 19 to take on that challenge when the Reed Intermediate School PTA Cultural Enrichment Committee hosts the band in two 45-minute assemblies for the student body during the school day, followed by a free evening concert at the school at 7.

The unusual band, made up of three cellists and a drummer creating music that is a blend of classical and rock sounds, offers an additional bonus to Newtown listeners: band member Chris Thibdeau is an alumni of the Newtown School System’s music program.

Chris, the son of Sandy Hook residents John and Mary Thibdeau, started playing cello at the age of 10 through a SMART school program. “I really had no specific reason for selecting the cello,” said Chris, “except that I knew at the time that I wanted to play either the trumpet, the flute, or the cello.” Since the band program offering flute or trumpet was not available to him until a later grade level, he elected to continue with the cello in the orchestra program in the fourth grade. He later took up the saxophone as well.

He did not know then that the instrument would bring him years of enjoyment and a career. As with any learning experience, practice was more a frustrating and unsatisfying experience in the early years of mastering the cello.

“Oftentimes, our expectations are always one step ahead of our ability, and when our ability improves, our expectations increase, as well,” he said. It can prove to be an emotionally draining experience, but a love for music can make practice time tolerable, said Chris.

As a member of Break Of Reality, though, practice has become not so much a chore as a chance to maintain skills. “We are playing all of the time now, and always thinking about technique. We try to approach [practices] with a healthy attitude.”

Chris moved up through the music programs at Newtown Middle School and Newtown High School, playing in the band and orchestras, and eventually joining the jazz band, marching band, and chamber ensemble, as well. He was a member of several outside music groups, including a trio and the Greater Bridgeport Youth Symphony Orchestra.

“Over my time in school, I even started my own wind ensemble,” Chris said. “I kept very busy and took advantage of the programs offered by the school.”

One of the teachers who proved influential to Chris was Michelle Hiscavitch, now the head of the Newtown Schools music department. “Ms Hiscavitch never limited my growth, but instead encouraged me to take chances,” said Chris. He has remained in touch with her, even four years after his graduation from Newtown High School.

“I am extremely proud of all that Chris has accomplished,” said Ms Hiscavitch. “He walked into the orchestra room at Head O’ Meadow Elementary School when he was in fourth grade and absolutely knew he wanted to play the cello. From that point on, he participated in every musical offering our program had to offer. Chris is a perfect example of what students can achieve through our district’s music program if they have an interest in music.”

Calling Chris a first-class musician, an excellent conductor, and a strong advocate for the arts, Ms Hiscavitch went on to say, “I am very excited to have him visit on November 19. The children and community are in for a real treat.”

In addition to the many music programs at the school, Chris continued to fine-tune his music skills during his high school years under the guidance of private instructors Judy Smith, Duane Reilley, and Pam Devenport, and says he remains indebted to them for their support and inspiration. In his sophomore year at Newtown High School, Chris recognized that he wanted to pursue music as a career.

Following his 2003 graduation, Chris enrolled at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., and it was there that he met cellist Patrick Laird, cellist Erin Keesecker, and drummer Ivan Trevino, who would become fellow band members. Break Of Reality, named after a composition written by Patrick, formed in their freshman year.

“We started the band just to be doing something different and just for fun,” Chris said. “We played a few coffee shops and some small rock venues in the Rochester area at first.”

The band realized over the next four years that they had something special going on and committed to performing professionally as they finished up their graduation requirements. Patrick graduated from Eastman in 2006, the rest of the band in the spring of 2007.

“Now there’s an importance in the potential of what we are doing and trying to keep music of all genres alive,” Chris said. Through technology, he believes music has become so accessible that it is becoming lost. “We’re in a constant shower of music and it has become a commodity.” Break Of Reality, through its music and education outreach programs, hopes to help people reconnect with music, he said.

 Since its inception, Break Of Reality has performed at a broad variety of venues, from New York City rock clubs to concert halls. The Solarfest in upstate Vermont was probably the band’s first experience where they felt like “rock stars,” said Chris.

“There was this elaborate lighting and I looked out and all kinds of people were standing in front of us and actually moshing. It was amazing.”

The performances at Reed Intermediate School are part of their new educational outreach program.

“The performances are actually workshops,” he explained. “We will play a little, talk to the kids, and interact musically with the kids. We feel we have a responsibility to show kids that music is empowering and not just something to buy.”

The band wants to bring the message to young people that the wonder of music surrounds them every day, everywhere. By exploring the may faces of music, not just popular music, Chris hopes that kids will come to realize the importance of music in the quality of life. The outreach programs and opportunity for students to see musicians following a dream also offers hope to aspiring young musicians.

“When the desire is there to become a professional musician, it can be achieved,” Chris said. “It takes a great deal of sacrifice, but so does anything worthwhile in life.”

All of the music on the band’s two CDs consists of original compositions. Patrick Laird writes most of the tunes, but more and more, said Chris, everyone in the band is involved in the compositions. At concerts, the band performs original music and covers of other bands, including Metallica and the Deftones. “We might blend the classic sound with heavy metal overtones, for example,” he said.

The combination of familiar elements of classical and rock music with elements that are less familiar make the music accessible to a broad audience, said Chris, and is an exciting way for the band to present their music.

The evening concert is open to the public and will be the first time Chris will be performing with the band in his hometown. The limited number of free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at either Reed or Newtown High School between November 12 and 19. Concertgoers are requested to bring a donation for the FAITH Food Pantry.

“I strongly advise people to get their tickets early,” recommended Michelle Hiscavitch, “because they will not want to miss out on this extraordinary concert event.”

Rock lover or classical music aficionado, pick up a ticket, and take up the challenge. A Break Of Reality is just around the corner.