Sam Houston State University guitar professor Michael Shanks brought his ensemble to the 12th Street Bar last Wednesday for its semester performance. 

Shanks’ ensemble, consisting of six guitar players, a bass player, a trombone player and himself on percussion, played a nine-song set. The setlist consisted of hits like MGMT’s “Electric Feel.” 

The band, consisting of mostly music therapy majors, is a semester-long project that Shanks forms with his students to get them experience in music outside of an academic setting. 

“I know a lot of them haven’t done performing like this before,” said Shanks. “I want to give that to them. Hopefully it’s something they’ll remember for a long time.” 

Shanks said that preparations began the first week of the semester and emphasized the importance of giving the students room to grow. 

The audience consisted of about 30 people, some of whom were Shanks’ own students. 

Band member and SHSU music therapy student, Isabella Roberts, noted the connection between the project and her major. 

“A big part of music therapy is we meet clients where they’re at, and we use musical tools to help with cognitive, emotional, communication and social goals.” 

Roberts said that being on stage is a good way to learn to change and adapt quickly during a performance, which is another large part of music therapy. She also emphasized her enjoyment of performing with the band, and what it meant to her. 

“Being in the band means being able to have an outlet to connect with people through music,” said Roberts.