SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Tucked into a corner of E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts, Pamela Nguyen, 41, played a black drum kit. Her delicate stick work pushed a sizzling hi-hat and deep kick drum to the sonic forefront of a cover of “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa.
“Pamela, I feel like you’re dropping your tempo,” music instructor Dakota kindly observed, halting the pop-funk jam during a Tuesday rehearsal in late July.
Upon receiving the suggestion, Nguyen let out an “Oh!” before erupting into a fit of laughter that sent the whole band, including their instructor, giggling. Quickly, she adopted the suggestion, and the band was off once again in sync.
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Nguyen is a master of the eight-count and has been playing drums for three years. She enjoys being able to control a song’s tempo with drumbeats — varying from simple to complex — and working alongside her peers.
“Being together is funny and happy,” Nguyen said, characterizing the bunch. “It’s about the music, being together, and gathering around. They’re good musicians, and they’re always there for each other.”
That’s what a typical Tuesday or Thursday rehearsal for The Early Birds Band is all about: a shared appreciation and indulgence in music. Paramount is the band’s artistry and friendship.
The Early Birds Band covers popular music and writes its own ditties. The band originally formed as a part of Southside Art Center’s Music program for adults with developmental disabilities. They operate through nonprofit Southside Unlimited and were originally formed in 1986 as The Southside Ensemble, a percussion group. Since then, they have become a group focused on learning rhythm fundamentals and musical cohesion.
The group is entirely self-sufficient, signing their own contracts, carpooling together and setting up their instruments and sound system prior to performing at venues across Sacramento.
Twice a week, the band rehearses in a music classroom adorned with a variety of acoustic instruments along the walls. A laminated list of qualities band members should prioritize — “practice on their own,” “keep rhythm,” and “energetic” — act as reminders for how to be successful.
Medina has been a music instructor for Southside Unlimited for four years. He strives to equip band members with the skills to work in the music industry and perform live across the city.
“The band’s had good experiences and bad experiences, but the bottom line is that it’s all up to them and what their standard is,” Medina explained. “I think the main focus of the band is to spread that music connection and show that people with disabilities are talented and amazing.”
By treating the band members like professionals, Medina acts as an advocate, giving the reins to the members themselves to decide the group’s trajectory. He hopes, with his guidance, that the members of the band improve and feel confident in their success and future endeavors.
“They’re honestly so impressive,” Medina said. “I’m just keeping them on that pathway of climbing toward the smoothness of music and not being discouraged by any hurdles. They’re working so hard, and they’re only going to get smoother.”
At rehearsal, he flipped through one of three binders with dozens of song lead sheets for the group to play. Tuesday’s setlist began with the downtempo Dua Lipa jam before dipping into “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and concluding with “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo.
The group is comprised of vocalists Annie Huynh, 52, and Joe Siciliano, 38; guitarist Hoppan Phan, 31; and multi-instrumentalist Elizabeth Yarholar, 34.
Phan and Yarholar were auditioning to join formal band members. Siciliano and Huynh, who are longtime musicians. To become a member, you must learn three songs to proficiency before resident members of the band decide whether you’re skilled enough to commit.
Huynh offered background vocals and an enthusiastic jig to each song played during the rehearsal, her charmed glasses chains swaying as she did so.
“I’ve been playing music for a long time,” Huynh explained.
She started playing with the group in 2010 and dubbed “Who’ll Stop the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson her personal favorites to belt out.
Siciliano, another vocalist, is on the more laid-back side.
“Me, I don’t play any instruments. I just sing,” he said matter-of-factly. “But I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember.”
His go-to song? “Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child.
During the Wonder rendition, Siciliano’s on-stage persona came alive with cheeky sass, rocking his hips to the groove and pointing at an imaginary audience as he shouted, “You nasty boy!”
As Siciliano came alive, Yarholar gave up the guitalele and took to the piano to play jazzy, chromatic bass licks on the lower register.
Yarholar found an interest in music as a child, when her mother taught her how to sing. Outside of the band, she is also a member of the Harmony and Beats Choir. She credits her musical development to Medina and his patience with the group.
“This group is like my family,” she said. “I never had a wonderful, nice teacher who taught us music. He is such a beautiful teacher.”
New to the bunch is Benny Phan, a guitarist, keyboard player and drummer.
He was inspired to audition after learning how to play electric guitar with his brother during his junior year of high school. A soloing maestro, Phan sat to the side, his head and eyelids hanging low in concentration as his index finger dallied across the frets of his acoustic six-string.
His favorite part about being in the band is the collaborative environment.
“We challenge each other to get better at instruments,” Phan said.
Before the rehearsal’s final tune commenced, Medina took a pulse check of the group to make sure everyone was prepared to play the punchy Rodrigo ballad.
“I’m ready!” Nguyen shouted with her drumsticks held up in anticipation.
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