Moe’s Express Brings Nonstop Excitement To The Fall Dance

By Larissa Lytwyn

Newtown Middle School eighth graders received a special treat during their annual fall dance last Friday night, and it wasn’t Halloween candy.

At 8 pm, the DJ turned the stage over to Moe’s Express, a rock band comprised of 13-year-old eighth graders Mike McDonald, Tony Fragoso, and Sean Holcomb and social studies teacher Will Ryan.

“It was the first time the dance had ever featured a live band,” said Mr Ryan. “The idea for [Moe’s Express] to perform was suggested by some teachers and students as a way of possibly attracting more people to come.”

Over the last few years, attendance to the dance has declined steadily. When the announcement was made that Moe’s Express would be performing, interest in attending the dance increased, said Mike.

“I heard [from a teacher] that ticket sales were going up, that more people were going,” he said.

About 180 students attended the dance, said Mr Ryan, a significantly larger number than in past years.

The band covered current top-40 smashes “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne, “1985” by Bowling for Soup and “I’m a Believer,” originally by the Monkees, and more recently covered by Smash Mouth.

“The kids in the crowd were all dancing, singing along to our music,” said Mr Ryan, “and cheering very loud after each song or solo. I think it is something Mike, Tony, and Sean will always remember.”

Going into the show, the band’s first-ever public performance, Mike, Tony, and Sean were not sure what to expect, Mr Ryan continued. But after their show, he said, the jubilant looks on his band-mates’ faces were unmistakable.

Mike, Tony, and Sean, all friends from classes, formed Moe’s Express about a month ago. The boys shared a passion for music, especially contemporary and classic rockers like Metallica and Led Zeppelin, and each dreamed of possibly pursuing a professional musical career.

Sean thought up the name of the band.

“We all love the TV show, The Simpsons,” he explained. “One of the character’s name is Moe, and I thought of ‘Moe’s Express.’ It just kind of stuck.”

Tony has been playing the bass guitar for the past eight years — since age 5.

“I really enjoy playing,” he said. “It’s great.”

Lead vocalist and guitarist Mike has been playing his instrument for the last two years.

Sean said he has been playing drums, which he took up when he joined the school band, for about three years.

Mr Ryan said he has played the guitar for a number of years and decided to become part of the band to encourage the boys to continue playing — and pursuing their musical dreams. 

Next up, Moe’s Express will be performing at the eighth grade talent show in December.