Pop Band Delivers Music, Messages

At three assemblies Friday, students at Pacoima Middle School were given advice about appreciating this country’s cultural diversity and resisting the temptations of drugs and gangs.

But these were not typical middle school assemblies: The messenger was the pop band JoGray, and the advice came between sets in a raucous concert that had students shrieking with delight and teachers heading to the back of the room to cover their ears.

“It was really loud, but it was really good,” said seventh-grader Jessica Busos.

The three-member band, featuring brothers Chuck and Kris BoGray and Dave Boettcher, visited the school in association with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a Beverly Hills-based nonprofit organization dedicated to giving youth alternatives to gangs and drugs.

JoGray performed three 45-minute concerts Friday, complete with colored lights, smoke and plenty of decibels to spare.

“You get their respect from the music and then you can give them the message,” said Chuck. “If you just start preaching at them they won’t hear you at all.”

“There are so many bands that give the kids entertainment but that also send out the wrong message,” said Kris, the lead singer. “We want to project the image that we’re just like any other group, but with something positive to say.”

“There’s no generation gap so the [students] really pay attention,” said Assistant Principal Aaron G. Moretzsky.

“They said to be strong on the inside,” said John-Paul Rosado(CQ), 13, a seventh-grader. “It’s your own choice what you do.”--DARRELL SATZMAN