Everything’s Provided but the Groupies

Sponsored by the National Assn. of Music Merchants and offered at the La Habra Music Center, Weekend Warriors gives students the chance to play in a real pop band.

“We’re trying to get people back into music after they’ve left it and had their families and mortgages and all that,” says Joe Lamond, who helped develop the program with founder Skip Maggiora in 1993.

The center supplies rehearsal space, a coach and the gear, hoping to reach out to baby boomers and youngsters who will eventually buy their own equipment.

“If we can get them interested in music again, our industry will grow,” Maggiora said.

Instrumentalists and singers of all skill levels can sign up. A typical session runs one month with three two-hour rehearsals capped by a public recital.

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Performances have been held at the La Habra Corn Festival, car shows and at the center.

The program costs $75 and is generally offered in February, April, July and October. Youngsters can enroll in Rock Starts, a six-week class for ages 10 to 20.

Guitarist Victor Alegria, 13, of Brea has been through the program twice. He likes the camaraderie.

“I’ve been able to meet some guys who I really like and have been able to bond with through the music,” the seventh-grader said.

The next Weekend Warriors and Rock Starts sessions begin the week of Feb. 7 at the La Habra Music Center, 1885 W. La Habra Blvd. Call (562) 694-4891. Visit the Weekend Warriors Web page at www.NAMM.com