How Rock Band revolutionized my reading week experience

I fundamentally believe that Rock Band is the single greatest bonding experience. Not convinced? I have a case study. My friend invited me up to her farm with a bunch of her friends for reading week. I was elated and prepared to have a fire week. However, I didn’t know everyone who would be in attendance. I knew some people pretty well, but others were basically strangers. So, naturally, I thought it would be an awkward get-to-know-you kind of week. Immediate dread: I’ll be stuck in a remote house with a bunch of randos—that’s like a horror movie. Perhaps this was an overreaction, but I’m nothing if not prone to the dramatic. But all the awkwardness and weirdness of getting to know other people was upstaged by the true star of the week: Rock Band. 

Let me set the scene: my friend’s farm is outside of Cobourg, Ontario, and it’s more of a second property with farm vibes, since no actual harvesting goes down. It was the perfect spot to spend time with friends and relax for a week. We spent our days doing schoolwork, cooking, going on walks, and, perhaps most importantly, playing Rock Band. 

The most beautiful thing about Rock Band is the way that it brings people together. We played it when we first arrived on Monday, and it set an immaculate tone for the rest of the week. I had not played the game since I was a child, and truly, I had forgotten how fun it is. There are some really fun bangers, and there are also classics like “Rehab” or “Imagine.” Everyone gets to try different instruments, and ultimately, you find the one that you’re best at. We did not compete against each other; rather, we wanted each individual to go on their own journey and do their best. As the Charlie Swan Band—an homage to the Twilight character—we worked towards gaining fans and notoriety all within the virtual world of Rock Band. We laughed, sang, rocked, and before we knew it, friendships were formed. When we wanted a break from school, Rock Band was there to consistently get us in a good mood and continue on with our days. Angry? Hit the drums and pound that angst out. Feeling too confident? A singing performance will always humble you. Rock Band was able to solve all problems. At night, we would break out the wine, play more Rock Band, and watch a movie. Rock Band was the essential landing pad that helped us bond throughout the week. 

Now I know that my conclusion may seem somewhat flawed. I hear you thinking that while Rock Band was probably an essential part of the week, it could not have been the sole experience that bonded us together. Perhaps you’re right. I understand that stunning scenery, good food, and spending time with like-minded people also helps friendships form. However, this discounts the key role that Rock Band fulfills: breaking the tension. Once you’ve laughed with someone over completely butchering a drum solo, the ice has been broken and you can get to really know each other. Plus, it’s just a fun thing to do with your friends. 

The week would have been wonderful regardless of whether we played a silly game. However, I argue that because of this game, it was so much easier to bond with the others at the farm. Returning to a classic childhood game that made us laugh and relax was exactly what we all needed. I challenge readers to take a turn on the guitar, do some singing, and propel your band into fictional stardom. I am so incredibly grateful I got to experience this with my friends, and had the opportunity to connect with some really smart, interesting, and funny people. Reading week is about recharging, relaxing, and getting into the right frame of mind to finish off the term on your best foot, which I definitely did this week. It’s also about getting work done, but we won’t talk about that… I spent too much time playing Rock Band to fully catch up on school.