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Band Nerds (book) by DJ Corchin
Review by R.J. Williams
As with food, a good book can bring us joy in ways that not too many things can. When I was a little girl, I spent a good portion of my young life at the Escuela Profecional Maria Auxiliadora, a Catholic boarding school in the city of Panama. Not because my parents felt I needed discipline or anything of the kind, since as you know, I’m perfect in every way—but I digress. It was at Escuela Profecional that my ongoing relationship with books began. Aside from keeping me on a rigorous study schedule, the sisters had plenty of chores to keep me and the other girls busy for most of the day. By the time dinner came around I was famished.
But quite often, a good book had the ability to make me forget about that joyous ritual of eating. I have fond memories of my time spent hiding in the bell tower and loosing myself within the pages of a good book. Reading has the ability to nourish, transport, and entertain the mind. That’s the true definition of a good book.
I just finished reading Band Nerds by DJ Corchin and illustrated by Dan Dougherty. It’s a book of poetry from the perspective of a 13th chair trombone player. It is a book about identities; stereotypes formed, mistakes we inevitably make, and crushes we can’t escape; situations essential to our world back when we couldn’t see past the next hour of our lives. DJ Corchinbrings humor to moments long forgotten, moments in life that shaped us into who we are today.
If you’ve ever played an instrument or been a part of an organized club in high school, this book is for you. It well captures the pace and feel of that time. I read it in one night and laughed a bundle while I reminisced. It’s packed with laughs! I recommend Band Nerds. You’ll do the same!
DJ Corchin is a native of Chicago, Illinois, where he currently lives and works. Author of Band Nerds Poetry From The 13th Chair Trombone Player, he continues to strive for diversity in his creative projects. A recording artist, playright, musician, and educator, he has been involved in music for 20 years. DJ Corchin was a featured cast member in the Tony and Emmy Award winning Broadway show BLAST! A former high school band director, he now spends his time focusing on various projects such as writing a genre-breaking musical called Wings and his career as a recording artist for All Over The Place Records. For more information on DJ and his projects please visit www.phazelfoz.com and www.bandnerdspoetry.com.