Every now and then I feel the need to take a break from watching the news. Let's face it - any hardworking, productive member of society has the right to tire of hearing about the latest scams and crimes facing our society today, not to mention the self-important celebrities who seem to be the biggest scam of all. But lo and behold... Right around the time I fall in to the trap of feeling sorry for myself and all the other poor working saps in this world, I always seem to stumble upon a story that renews my faith in the human race as a whole.

Special Education Teacher Michael Monagan and The Kids of Widney High happen to be such a story.

We have each been dealt a hand of cards upon our entry into this world of ours. Most of us hold average cards. Some lucky fools are dealt four aces, blonde hair, blue eyes, and a 2005 GTO for their sixteenth birthday. Depending on your perspective, you may think the Kids of Widney High have been dealt sour hands. After all, who really wants to spend life in a wheelchair or with a severe learning disability? All I know is this - The Kids did not choose the cards that were dealt, but are seemingly doing the best they can with them.

These young adults do not want our sympathy or special favors. They just want a chance to rock ya. Well Kids, you got it. Mr. Monagan and group member Matty were kind enough to share a slice of their story with me one evening. Step aside Doobie Brothers, Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Sacred Reich. The Kids of Widney High are taking the stage.


XMFan: Going back to your beginnings as a young music fan, well before your teaching days, what kind of influences did you have in music?
Michael: I would say Jimi Hendrix is right on top of the list. I'll never forget the first time I heard Purple Haze, and how it seared into my brain and stayed there. I can't tell you how exciting it was last week when my thirteen-year-old daughter who plays the bass asked me if I'd teach her the song. The Beatles and the Stones were two others - at the time we were led to believe there was a rivalry between the two groups, and I came out on the side of the Stones. At the time there was lots of great guitar-driven music, so learning to play guitar made sense.

XMFan: When did you realize teaching and music would intersect in your life?
Michael: When I started teaching special ed I realized there was more freedom in terms of a curriculum. I was able to incorporate a class that not only used music, but was also about writing music and songs. That was something I loved doing anyway and I was able to incorporate it in to my teaching.

XMFan: Matty, how does it feel to perform on stage in front of an audience?
Matty: It feels good and I like it very much. It feels like you are enjoying yourself while helping other people with their lives.

XMFan: Were you scared at first when you sang in front of all those people?
Matty: No, I wasn't scared at all. Basically, you release your stress when you sing.

XMFan: Walk us through the early stages of getting this program started.
Michael: We had a teacher at school years ago who did plays with the students, and my first year there I watched their spring production. I enjoyed the play but felt it could use some songs. I thought it would be fun to collaborate on a project, and the teacher liked the idea, so we talked to the principal about putting together a songwriting class. He also liked the idea, but the drama class only did one play a year. The class didn't even pick a play until the first semester was almost over, so we had a whole semester to talk about the concept of writing an original song. The kids had a wide reign over what to write about, as nothing was specific at that point. The kids came up with all these great ideas - writing songs about insects, cars, throwing away the trash...

Towards the end of the year, after writing songs for the play and just for fun, I decided to take the kids to the studio and record an album. We had a fundraiser at school to pay for the studio time, and a friend who owned a studio gave us a good rate. So in the springtime that first year we recorded the first album, which is on Rounder Records.

XMFan: I know each child is an individual, but what kinds of changes do you tend to notice in the kids after several years of working with them?
Michael: This class is something they really like. When you're doing something you like, you tend to be more motivated and much more interested in being part of the group. Even someone who is kind of a wise guy will generally want to stay there and do what he or she has to do to stay - even if it means curbing his or her delinquent tendencies. (Laughs)

One of the things I love about all this is seeing how the class affects the kids as a group, and how they become a cohesive team. I suppose it's kind of like a sports team, where the kids look out for and take care of each other. It's very rewarding for me.

XMFan: Matty, what are you feelings towards Mr. Monagan?
Matty: I think he's a cool teacher, and we love him a lot. He helps us a lot.

XMFan: What are a few things people have told you about your group?
Matty: People think the group is a good thing that helps teach us. They enjoy everything.

XMFan: What are some other things you like to do for fun?
Matty: I like to go outside. Listening to the radio. I'm in a program for the disabled that gives us lots of things to do.

XMFan: I've heard other journalists mention several well-known names who are fans of The Kids. Have you actually spoken to any of these celebrities?
Michael: I've heard about most of them second-hand. One example is when we were playing at the Vans Warped Tour. A guy came up to me after the show and told me Kurt Cobain was a big fan of ours. He said Kurt had a Kids CD that Courtney then gave to the drummer in his band and now he has it. I don't think he had any reason to make up a story like that, but I can't say for sure.

XMFan: This will be an interesting thing to put in the interview...
Michael: Well, people who are in a position like Kurt Cobain are never the most popular person in their class. Whether it's Kurt, Michael Jackson, or whoever, I think they feel different than most people for one reason or another. I think when they see and hear the Kids' music it's certainly not part of the mainstream. They feel connected to it, so it makes sense to me.

XMFan: Is there a general formula on how these songs come together?
Michael: Not particularly. I guess it usually starts with a lyrical idea, then we'll brainstorm thoughts that have to do with that topic and the angle we want to take. Usually from there I'll get an idea from the kids on which type of musical style they want. We'll build a track from there using sequencing software, a guitar, and keyboards. A melody will either come from one of the kids singing something, or maybe by playing a simple one-finger melody on the piano. Of course, some songs are finished quickly while others take a much longer time. Some songs are just a dead end.

XMFan: Which artists and music do you like, Matty?
Matty: Everything, really. I like pop and rap, a little heavy metal. Eminem is my favorite rapper.

XMFan: Any favorite TV shows?
Matty: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. If I could meet one person it would be Will Smith.

XMFan: As far as your future with the Kids is concerned, do you plan on sticking around for a while?
Michael: Well, I've got quite a ways to go before retirement. (Laughs)

XMFan: What's your overall ball o' wax feelings concerning the past fifteen years with the Kids?
Michael: It was totally unexpected. I guess it's kind of a tribute to the idea that you do what you love and good things will happen. It's been a gratifying, educational, wonderful eye-opener. It's also very humbling and has been a great ride.

XMFan: Matty, how about your feelings about your time with the group?
Matty: Singing has helped me as a person. I have confidence. We've gone to a lot of places like the House of Blues and The Knitting Factory, and I feel good about myself.

The Official Kids of Widney High Website may be found here: http://www.kidsofwidneyhigh.com