What is it like to have the skill to play at least nine instruments and counting? Freshman Jacob Frye knows the feeling first hand. Until he reached middle school, he was completely ignorant to the world of playing music, even though he loved listening to it.

“I listened to what was on the radio, absentmindedly could find a beat, but I hadn’t done anything truly musical,” said Frye.

Frye’s parents were the ones that introduced him to classic rock; bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam. As soon as the music started playing, Frye was hooked on classic rock. He began going to concerts, which inspired him to do what the performers did.

“[My parents] introduced me to old rock albums, the first of which being Blood Sugar Sex Magik by RHCP and Ten by Pearl Jam. I instantly grew on that and fed on it due to my parents enjoying the same things I do with concert experiences and being very attuned to the sound of music.” Frye said.

In sixth grade, Frye began playing the guitar. He began teaching himself how to play riffs from lead guitarists like John Frusciante and Stone Gossard.

Playing and listening to music is one of Frye’s passions. In seventh grade, he joined Laura Garrison’s band and orchestra electives at West Jefferson Middle School. In addition to the guitar, Frye taught himself how to play all of the percussion instruments available to him, such as the marimba and the xylophone. With his newfound talents, Frye realized he could recreate the sounds he loved from his favorite bands.

“I knew that music just felt right to me and I wanted to do as much as I could,” said Frye.

Frye’s eighth grade year was when he began really branching out. With Frye’s younger brother teaching him trumpet, his friend teaching him alto saxophone, and Garrison teaching him how to play stand-up bass, his horizon was broadening. By then, Frye had five instruments under his belt, and he was starting to get excited.

With the ability of getting used to playing in front of people, Frye and one of his friends began to organize a garage rock band.

With the power of playing bass, guitar, drums, and being able to sing, Frye has the potential to be a one man band. His expanding talents have already set him on the path to be someone great.