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Wiped Out Continues Giving Young Musicians ‘Real Gig’ Opportunities

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For at least 17 years, Newtown musician and music educator Joe Proc has organized a student music group called Wiped Out. The names and performers have changed since Proc added the program to his studio in late 2009, but the enjoyment of Proc and his young students continues.

Wiped Out has played in and around Newtown, with parents and friends often filling small spaces to capacity while taking in performances by the musicians. Proc is often on stage with the musicians, providing backup and a steady presence as some of the performers take on their first live gigs.

Proc proudly told The Newtown Bee in April 2015, in fact, that he does everything he can to make each performance feel like “a real gig.”

Wiped Out’s latest gig was this past Sunday — postponed one week due to the February 22-23 nor’easter — when the band played at Monroe Social Club.

Proc was joined by at least five young proteges: Matthew “Guitar Lick Master” Belisari, Andre “Bass in Your Face” St Georges, Miah “The Beach Girl” Milunich, Keegan “Iron Man” Rosenschein, and Tristan “Drop In Revival Bro” Rosenchein.

Noah Miller, who also uses the stage name “Guitar Lick Master,” was on the schedule for February 22 but was unable to perform on the snow date due to being ill, according to Proc.

The young musicians ranged from age 7-15, from fifth graders to high school freshmen.

Jessie Rosenschein, who has two sons participating in Wiped Out, said Proc did “a great job organizing and including everyone.”

Proc proudly said earlier this week that each young musician picked up $51 from Sunday’s tip jar.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.

Matthew Belisari, 14, a freshman at St Joseph High School, performed with Joe Proc’s long-standing Wiped Out project last weekend at Monroe Social Club. Proc has been running the performance program, offering young musicians the opportunity to perform in public, often for tips, since late 2009. —Patty Belisari photo
Keegan Rosenschein, 11 (seated), offers a smile while performing “Islands in the Sun” by Weezer, one of two songs he played during Sunday’s show at Monroe Social Club. Standing behind him is his brother Tristan, who also performed as part of the event. —Jesse Rosenschein photo
Miah Milunich was also part of Sunday’s show at Monroe Social Club. The 11-year-old is a seventh grade student at Newtown Middle School. —Eric Milunich photo
Andre St Georges, 13, an eighth grade student at Newtown Middle School, plays bass while Joe Proc plays guitar. St Georges and Proc played “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder at Monroe Social on Sunday evening. —Christine St Georges photo
Tristan Rosenschein, 15, played Zach Bryan’s “Revival” for those who attended Sunday’s performance. —Jesse Rosenschein photo
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