Glenbard North teachers rockin' out

It's unlikely that heavy metal rocker Ozzy Osbourne's music brings to mind the country twang of Dwight Yoakam. Of course, it's also doubtful that when you think of a 52-year-old high school study skills teacher, you picture her playing bass in a rock 'n' roll cover band.

But if you head over to Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream tonight, you can watch both of these notions get turned on their heads.

The school will host a student Battle of the Bands, an annual fundraiser that benefits the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Carol Stream. The show starts at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Admission is $3 at the door, or $2 with a donation for the Carol Stream food pantry.

After the six student bands compete, study skills teacher Joan Moore will strap on her bass and shred with The Referrals, a faculty band that will entertain while votes are counted.

"It is a little unusual, but it lets kids know that teachers are not necessarily what you see every day and that we have interests outside of the classroom," said Moore, who also serves as one of the event's organizers.

Moore has a degree in music and for many years taught band and choir and conducted some concerts. But when she whet her appetite for performing in a wedding cover band, she became hooked on that side of music.

"I have really always wanted to be on stage playing," she said. "I'm like Joan Jett in disguise."

She shares her teacher disguise with other members in the band. The idea came about several years ago when she and science teacher Adam Heise shared a lunch period. They thought the Battle of the Bands could use a little sprucing up.

"There was always this down time while we waited for votes," Moore said.

The result: A band composed of five faculty members and a rotating rhythm guitarist that this year will be filled by a 2008 North graduate. Since their debut at the battle in 2006, their covers have focused mainly on rock and metal music, such as Ozzy Osbourne. But Moore said they throw in some country music and it usually goes over well. The band practices about once a week, usually starting around winter break.

Their practices take place wherever they can find room, whether it be in band members' basements or the school's auto garage (one of the original members is auto teacher Jordan Engelhardt).

When they get on stage, Moore says, the students respond.

"They are encouraging you and jumping up and down," she said. "The students think it's really cool."

If you goWhat: Glenbard North Battle of the BandsWhen: 7 p.m. todayWhere: Cafeteria at the high school, 990 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream Cost: $3, or $2 with a donation for the Carol Stream food pantryInfo: (630) 653-7000