German students from throughout Loudoun County filed into the auditorium at Heritage High School on Jan 13, not to attend an instructional assembly, but a rock concert.
When Max (lead vocal/guitar), Dave (vocals/guitar), Martin (bass) and Chris (drums) took the stage instantly everyone was on their feet, screaming and snapping away on their smartphones.
Rock/pop band Artig won the 2011 SchoolJam Battle of the Bands online competition in Germany, beating out 1400 other young bands. They won a contract and tour, which brought them to the United States via Washington D.C. to play three shows in metro area, before heading out to California to play at the National Association of Music Merchants trade fair in Anaheim.
“It’s amazing and so crazy,” said front man, Max (none of the band members use their last names). “Last year we played so many big festivals in Germany.”
Heritage High School was the second concert scheduled for the pop-rock band, composed of young men who grew up together in rural part of Germany. The band is still adjusting to their newfound fame.
“We are a huge fan of this group,” said Teresa Breitenthaler, German teacher at Stonebridge High School, who took her class to dinner with Artig this week. “They’re friendly, open and willing to talk to everyone. They seemed just as overwhelmed as we were.”
It is also the first time Artig or any of its members have visited the United States.
About six weeks prior, the German Embassy contacted German teacher Hal Boland, asking if Artig, which means “well behaved,” could play a concert at Heritage High School. Boland jumped at the opportunity, inviting German classes from throughout the county.
Principal Jeff Adams of Hertitage High School also jumped onboard, stating, "[It is] important to bring cultural opportunities into the schools and to make sure the students in Loudoun County have the opportunity to see cultures besides our own and are able to broaden their world view.”
The band said they like what they have seen of the U.S. so far, and would like to go back to D.C. to spend time in Georgetown. They are also excited to be heading to California.
