On a daily basis, Bonita Vista High (BVH) seniors Diego Landeros, Noah Keller and Noah Kircher come together as Gentle Moon, an alternative indie band looking to share their music with the community. In English 9, International Baccalaureate Literature and English Language Development teacher Raymond Chhan’s class both Keller and Kircher engaged in various side discussions on expanding their previous band known as Watermall into a trio named Gentle Moon.
“[Gentle Moon] claims to give me credit, but it is all them. So, [Keller and Kircher] started talking more in my class [about the band] and were able to establish a relationship and plan out more practices to get the band formed,” Chhan said.
Chhan involves himself with the band by reviewing the unreleased music and taking note of what the band is looking to achieve. Furthermore, Chhan explains how he does not look to change things about the songs or structure of the band, but rather focus on supporting them and immersing himself into the music.
“[Students having creative outlets] is great, this is my first interaction with students who are in a band, and see them develop the song. They share the lyrics with me, and show me the final product,” Chhan said. “I dont give them much feedback on the songs themselves. In terms of seeing that creative process, it is really interesting because I have no exposure to that. On a music level, seeing that was enlightening and a good learning experience for me.”
As expressed by all band members, making music began as a hobby and eventually became something more. Moreover, a challenge the band now faces is the technological parts in regards to their location, condition of equipment and opportunities to perform.
“[We face] issues because we are just doing everything out of a garage. We do not have a studio or budget. So we are just working with what we have and a lot of the time we may not be very satisfied with the way that things sound but we [find a way to] move on,” Keller said.
Though the band faces ups and downs, Chhan expresses his sense of understanding for potential obstacles faced when starting something new. Additionally, Chhan explains the true meaning and objective of the band to both him and its members.
“Starting out in music is always difficult for everyone, so that alone is already a big challenge. I do not think that they are doing it necessarily for fame. They all really love music individually and collectively, it is a bond that they share with one another,” Chhan said. “They would like to play some more local shows [and] I have been talking to them about different events that happen in San Diego, where there is live music or bands performing.”
After releasing their first Extended Play (EP) this year in May that consisted of five songs, the band is looking to release a nine song album by the end of the year. With a number of goals, including their most prominent; the EP, the band also hoped to expand their reach in the community and share their passion for music.
“I am looking forward to playing shows and also finding more sounds we like and that we could use in this band because I think we are all really interested in combining different sounds from different bands we enjoy,” Landeros said.
Landeros further expresses his pride and thoughts on the band coming from the first show they performed at a small party to now completing and releasing their second EP this year. Moreover, as the band continues to expand their reach in the community all members recognize Chhan’s continuous support.
“I do not listen to [Gentle Moons] music just because they are students at BVH or because of the good relationship I have with them but [rather because] I genuinely do like the music a lot. Sometimes I would play it in my classroom, during class or during lunch. It is a fun thing to do and listen [to]. I like the music [created] and I believe that is a highlight for me,” Chhan said.
