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Funk Band Repertoire

December 3, 2009

Our first performances of the year are behind us and we're looking to polish our existing repertoire, which is pretty varied as usual, and add some new things to get ready for our spring semester. We'll be adding some more songs by Sting and the Police (with unique arrangements) as well as some songs which will represent new territory for the group. Here are some of the possibilities we're considering to give you an idea:

Forever (originally by Chris Brown)
Everything (Michael Buble)
Love is the Seventh Wave (Sting)
One World (Not Three)
Gone (Jack Johnson)
Walking in Your Footsteps (The Police)
Belief (John Mayer)
Zanset Nou Yo (Boukman Eksperyans)

September 1, 2009

The new school year has started and with it, rehearsals, practice and a new set of aspiring funkmasters. We've added some horns again this year, so look for some new arrangements of our classics as well as some brand new things we've never performed before. We're also thinking of diversifying our style even more than usual and having some guest vocalists join us. Although it's still really early, you can be sure we'll have a little bit of everything and represent a wide variety of contemporary musical styles and ethnic diversity. Who knows, maybe this year the African diaspora will finally make to Hawaii...

January 8, 2009

It's a new year and with it come new songs for the funk band, a new band name and getting ready for performances. Our first show of the year is coming up in a couple of weeks and our set list is shaping up something like this:

Breakdown (Jack Johnson)
Waiting on the World to Change (John Mayer)
Spirits in the Material World (The Police)
Play That Funky Music (Wild Cherry)
Beautiful Day (U2)
Kouman Sa T'a Ye (Boukman Eksperyans)
One World (Not Three) (Police)
Sitting on the Curb (Pepper)
All Along the Watchtower (Dylan, Hendrix, et. al.)

October 20, 2008

Slowly but surely, we're making progress and starting to add more songs to the possibilities list. In addition to the three we started last month, we're also rehearsing some local, mellow rock (Jack Johnson), some blues mellow rock (John Mayer) and an upbeat, classic 80s hit (Police) with a perennial message - a suggestion from our former lead guitarist, Will Pascua, who hasn't stopped suggesting songs for us. The Haitian drumming is slowly starting to groove and Rock Etude #16 is coming along for the regulars while the syncopations are still a mystery to the newcomers. So far, our set list is looking a little like this:

Breakdown (Jack Johnson)
Waiting on the World to Change (John Mayer)
Spirits in the Material World (The Police)
Play That Funky Music (Wild Cherry)
Mahi (Haitian traditional drumming)
Kouman Sa T'a Ye (Boukman Eksperyans)

We're holding onto a few nuggets from last year as well. So far we've rehearsed Sittin' on the Curb (minus a horn solo) by Pepper and we'll probably keep the fan favorite I'm Yours by Jason Mraz. Look for one or two more possibilities in a couple weeks - maybe Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls or Linger by the Cranberries - or another Police song... also, check our news and blogs page soon for an update on our first performance dates coming up soon.

 

September 2, 2008

We're back! And like usual, we're starting in on rhythm, and there's no better place to begin than with funk, world drumming and our beloved rock etudes...

Play That Funky Music (Wild Cherry)
Mahi (Haitian traditional)
Kouman Sa T'a Ye (Boukman Eksperyans)

May 16, 2008

The band is on hiatus for summer vacation! Check back in the fall to find out what we're up to. Have a fun and safe summer, keep the funk alive and see you next fall...

 

The Lab School Funk Band is known for its eclectic repertoire, playing nearly every kind of contemporary style imaginable. Occasionally we show favorites, like the time when we played mostly ska songs, or the time when half of our set list seemed like it was from Sting or The Police, but variety is the spice of life and the cornerstone of how we choose songs to play. We're always interested in discovering new music and if you have any suggestions for us, please let us know! Below is a partial list of some of the songs and artists we've played over the years.

African Symphony - Earth, Wind and Fire
Gbe Mi Ro - King Sunny Ade and his African Beats
Night Train - Oscar Peterson (and others)
Owner of a Lonely Heart - Yes
Volcano - Jimmy Buffett
Jamaica Farewell - Harry Belefonte
Smooth - Carlos Santana
Molde Canticle, Pt 4 (Funk in A) - Jan Garbarek
La Bamba - Richie Valens
Hey Pocky Way - The Neville Brothers
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) - Sly & the Family Stone
Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper
Don't Speak - No Doubt
Drop, Baby, Drop - Sean Nu'auao
Love is the Seventh Wave - Sting
Message in a Bottle - The Police
All-Star - Smashmouth
She Has a Girlfriend Now - Reel Big Fish
Good Thing - Reel Big Fish
She's Famous Now = Reel Big Fish
Sell Out - Reel Big Fish
Come on, Eileen - Save Ferris
Superman - Goldfinger
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
All Along the Watchtower - Bob Dylan
Good Lovin' - The Rascals
Just Like Heaven - The Cure

plus a whole lot more...