It’s not just an urban myth that girls tend to mature earlier than boys, at least until the mid teens. Baby girls for the most part will smile earlier, talk earlier, walk earlier, eat solid food sooner, share sooner, and make friends with peers earlier. So it’s not so surprising that the girls in the group Groovy Ruby have accomplished so much so early. These school girls have been performing together for a couple of years now, and they will be performing at Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ on Sunday, October 12 at 1pm. ( Readers can use the link Groovy Ruby jukebox to jump right to the music)
Girl groups have been entertaining America on a national level for almost a century, and like Wyckoff’s Groovy Ruby, they often start at a tender age. The first professional group to gain widespread attention was the Boswell Sisters who began performing in their early teens, but they did not reach the level of fame as The Andrew Sisters who began as a tribute band to their older idols. This group, famed not only for their singing but for their tremendous support of the troops in WWII, also started early with the youngest Andrew Sister performing for the first time when she was only seven years old.
Groovy Ruby’s “girl next door” image has always been a favorite of America in both music and film. Contemporary films such as Bend It Like Beckham, Bridget Jones Diaries, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, are examples of movies about the girl next door, and the regular girls of Groovy Ruby have a similar appeal. The only difference is their talent for singing is not regular, but rather remarkable. As a group Groovy Ruby offers a style which is described by the girls, Jenn Hagen, Kendall Comwell, Carly Weinstein, Katie Collins, Michelle Zink, Sydney Censullo, as a mix between The Beatles and The Go-Go’s.
Groovy Ruby prior to singing at NJ Jackals game
Most of the famous girl groups in America had the support of exceptional songwriters and composers. The husband & wife team of Mann and Weill wrote hits for The Ronettes, Linda Ronstadt, and Cyndi Lauper. While Gerry Goffin provided compositions for Natalie Cole, Carole King, The Chiffons, and The Shirelles.
Ruby Groovy follows in this tradition with the help of Dean Laterra who has written and composed the girls music, as well as playing keyboards; his day job is no less challenging, he’s a teacher. The Journal asked Dean if he foresees the group’s upbeat style changing as they get older. “I think the style will stay relatively the same.”, he says. I write the tunes, and my musical style and perspective on life is already pretty well established. Though I do like to try new things musically, we are what we are. I definitely don’t anticipate any angst or dark side. Even when and if writing about heavier issues, I would attempt to do so in a contemplative, reflective, and hopefully encouraging and enlightening way.”
Music can often evoke strong emotions, and the ability of Groovy Ruby to summon positive, upbeat emotions can appeal to both young and old as the nation confronts serious challenges and looks for an emotional lift. But both political parties can share in the positive accomplishments of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin and we asked the Ruby Groovy girls what they think of the Senator and Governor. They believed the hard work of women in the past is starting to pay off, and as Katie Collins says, “I am very happy that these women are so successful. Women are proving everyday that they are just as intelligent and good as men. I hope that one day in the near future we have a woman president!”
Before the interview questions turned to music, The Journal asked the girls how performing has influenced their level of confidence, and how confidence levels vary between boys and girls. Jenn, responding to why there always seem to be more boy bands, commented that, “I think it is because a lot of times guys aren’t as shy, or they don’t hold back as much as girls. They don’t really care about what others say as much as girls do, so they are more likely to put themselves out there for others to hear.” Sydney pretty much agrees saying, “…boys don’t really think about what they do, they just do it. They don’t get embarrassed as much. Boys care less about clothes and about what other people say about them.” The common feeling might be summed up by Katie who offered, “It’s taught me to overcome certain fears, for example stage fright, and has taught me to focus on my goals and to have fun.” With regards to the perception of how boys differ with the confidence issues, she added “I really think that we could learn a lesson or 2 from them.”
Some of the girls are studying musical instruments, and Jenn was quick to point out that the voice is also a musical instrument. She is presently studying with Judy Hages who has provided voice instruction to students varying from Q-Tip to Dan McBride. Katie has been studying flute with Henry Schuck who has been a teacher and local conductor for over fifty years. And all of the girls have been benefiting from the skill and experience of Dean with regards to both music and composition. As the girls have gotten older, they’re ability to provide both insight and input helps keep a fresh energy while Dean continues to bring the professional polish which has caught the public’s attention. Music for both the performers and the composer of Ruby Groovy’s songs believe that being enthusiastic, being upbeat, and making those emotions genuine are intrinsic elements to their music. Jenn probably says it best when asked what word best describes music, “Life”.
Although still fairly young themselves, the girls of Groovy Ruby are aware that even younger kids will see them as role models. The Journal inquired as to who they believed were positive role models. Demi Lavato and Selina Gomez were two popular responses, both performers who met as children while working on the set of “Barney & Friends”. They remain good friends and rising stars at Disney, with Demi’s singing career being helped by another famous group out of Wyckoff, The Jonas Brothers.
Mia Hamm
One girl, Katie, picked a role model from a different generation, Oprah. As Katie tells it, ” Not only is she successful but she is also an incredible human being. She’s very generous and has used her status as a celebrity to better the lives of millions of people around the world. For example, she has contributed her time and money to building a school and educating girls in South Africa. She inspires many people to achieve their dreams.”
Michelle’s choice of a positive role model, Mia Hamm, represents the growing popularity of soccer as an American sport. As Michelle reports, “She was the youngest player at 15 to be part of the US Women’s Soccer Team, and at 19 the youngest player to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She helped her team win a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics. She’s established the Mia Hamm Foundation, dedicated to help with bone marrow research and to help women’s sports programs progress.”
Most audiences who listen to the group are seeing only part of the picture, but Dean offers a description that probably helps explain a piece of the puzzle that many other talented young performers might be missing. “I think one of the things that makes Groovy Ruby special is that they are a bunch of good, smart, respectable young ladies who make good decisions….who happen to be in a band. Their high character is a prerequisite and important part for being in this group. That being the case, this group is built upon a very special foundation. It’s not just about the music. Other stuff matters. As a parent and teacher, I can say with confidence that these girls represent what most parents want for their children. Well rounded, confident, respectable girls who make good choices. I’m very proud of the group!”
Readers can listen to the Groovy Ruby jukebox for a selection of songs, or check out the video below which features the song “Change”. The group also maintains a website GroovyRubyRocks.com, or visit them on their MySpace page.
