When it comes to music, some teachers may focus on technical skills, but this educator goes beyond that – nurturing a love for the arts that lasts a lifetime. Meet Bryan Lancaster, Kavod’s Music Teacher and Theatre Director celebrating his sixth year at our tuition-free school. Join us as we sit down with Mr. Lancaster and get to know him a little better!
Mr. Lancaster, along with Kavod explorers, created one of the most popular middle school offerings at the school, the “After School Rock Band.” Students play drums, guitar, keyboard, electric bass, and sing while performing in the after school band called the “Red Cards.”
Can you tell us how the “After School Rock Band” idea started?
I’m a rocker at heart and have played in bands, recorded music, and toured since the 80s, so starting the program was a fun way to build community across grade levels. When I started at Kavod, I knew we had to offer a rock band-focused after school club as soon as possible.
The program is open to Kavod middle schoolers, and the kids who participate realize within a few sessions whether or not this format is for them. And that’s okay, it gives them room to explore and see if this is a musical avenue that they’d like to be a part of or not. The ones who stay with it take it seriously and work at it. And it is work. Bands don’t become amazing by magic or wishful thinking. Being a top notch musician requires dedication and practice. It can be frustrating at times but the payoff is always worth it.
In addition to our middle school students, we have Kavod Teachers who also support and play in the band. Kavod’s Mr. Kessler joins us on guitar, PE Teacher Coach McKerring on the drums and Mr. Fipps on bass guitar and behind the scenes running the lighting and sound. It’s a full school effort!
Has “Red Cards” played any gigs for the community?
Prior to this year, the band performed exclusively at school functions, including dances, assemblies, lunches, and a few times in after school settings. Our gig at Humble Heart in Ocean Beach was the first time we performed in a real venue outside of Kavod for the general public.
The performance was even a paid gig with $200 going directly to the Kavod Music Program! Red Cards played 4 songs including “Long Way to the Top” by AC/DC and “Seven Nation Army” by White Stripes. These songs were chosen collaboratively with Kavod explorers and teachers.
“I can’t believe you got us to do that. I want to do it again.” – A Kavod Explorer
“It was amazing seeing all the teachers there to support us!” – A Kavod Explorer
What characteristics does playing in a band build?
When kids enter the auditorium for music class, no matter the grade, I tell them that when they’re here, we are a band. A band works together toward a common goal. We support each other and listen to each other, showing respect for each other’s ideas, thoughts, and feelings. In short, being a part of a band is being part of a tight knit artistic community.
Communities of artists view the world through the lens of art, and that’s what we do in music class. I also believe that all art should be viewed through the context in which it was created, which ties our work to all school subjects, especially history and language/literature. Our OLAMfest project in 7th grade connects science and design to music by having the kids write and perform songs about an environmental topic, such as endangered species or the condition of our oceans. The bottom line is that being in a band helps us become better humans.
“Being a part of that band and playing on that stage during the gig made me feel the most connected and like I belonged with everyone who I was lucky enough to share that experience with” – A Kavod Explorer
What has been the reaction from families?
I’ve always maintained the notion that the best ways to improve as a musician is to play music with other people, to play music with other people in front of other people, and to listen to recordings of yourself playing in those situations. Every Kavod explorer who performed that evening had a great time, recognizing the ways their hard work paid off. Not only that, but they’re all asking when they can perform again! Parental support that evening was amazing! Every explorer had family members there and we filled the place to capacity. The entire middle school faculty attended as well as Kavod’s Executive Director, Ms. Greenland and members of our SPED team. It was a wonderful event for the Kavod community!
“I’m so grateful that my kid got this experience – music really seems to be clicking with him.” – A Kavod Parent
What instruments do you play? Are you currently in any bands?
I started playing the guitar in 6th grade, which is also when I began to discover a whole world of music outside of what my parents shared with me. I grew up playing Beatles and Johnny Cash records, and musicals were a huge part of my auditory diet. We had a lot of soundtracks as well. I learned how to carefully operate a turntable from a young age. In middle school, I discovered bands like Twisted Sister, Iron Maiden, and Motley Crue. Before long, I immersed myself in the world of hard rock/heavy metal/punk/thrash and any other anti-establishment leaning music I could get my hands on. After taking lessons for a year, I bought my first electric guitar, a small amp, and a distortion pedal. I ended up getting an undergrad degree in music, then later a teaching credential.
Currently, I’m not playing in a band, although I do occasionally perform with my two sons who also play together in a band called the Hemogoblins. When the 3 of us play, we perform as Mr. L’s Blues Garage. We even made a record together called Midlife Party Music.
Join Us!
Don’t miss our upcoming Middle School Musical that Mr. Lancaster is directing at the end of March: “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” We encourage you to attend and see these talented Kavod Charter School students in action!
With leaders like Mr. Lancaster teaching at Kavod, it’s no wonder our middle school students are set up for high school and beyond. Want to learn more about our tuition-free charter school? Schedule a private tour and see our school community in action. Enrolling now in TK-8 for the 2025-26 school year.
About Kavod
Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a non-religious, dual language elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 10% charter school in California and the nation. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
