Magnet has countless different clubs spanning from Mock Trial to K-Pop club, covering a wide span of interests; there is practically a perfect club for every student. One of the most notable and unique clubs is Dirty Birds. Led by Mr. Grimshaw for over 20 years, the Dirty Birds is Magnet’s drumming group. The Dirty Birds is essentially AMHS’s school band that plays at different events, like home football games and pep rallies. The Dirty Birds consists of different student drummers who play various drums, including the bass drum, snare, and the djembe, to name a few.
Every member of this club plays a vital role in making lively cheers to support teams or simply play songs on the drums. These songs have a tremendous range; some are created by Dirty Birds members themselves, Mr. Grimshaw makes some, and some are arranged with inspiration from other existing songs.
The Dirty Birds are foundational to the Academic Magnet’s school spirit. Whether at football games, pep rallies, or the annual AMHS Riverdogs Game, the Dirty Birds will bring spirit, joy, and life to the event.
I asked Amara Buelk, one of the senior leaders, for her thoughts on the Dirty Birds club. Amara is the first four-year Dirty Bird since Dirty Birds is intended for Sophomores and up, but Amara snuck in as a freshman! Amara said, “ ” This truly encompasses the communal feel of Dirty Birds, as every student must work together to create the ideal sound.
I also asked Amara for her favorite rhythm and Dirty Birds event. Amara said, “My favorite rhythm is probably The Metal because it has a very smooth tempo, and it seems to be one of the strongest and favorites among the Dirty Birds group.” For context, Amara showed up to a Dirty Birds practice last year with an idea for a rhythm inspired by the song “The Metal” by Jack Black’s band Tenacious D. This is now one of the Dirty Birds’ songs they play at various performances.
When asked what her favorite event is, Amara replied, “My favorite event is the football games because we get to connect with the student body and cheer our football players on with rhythms!” The Dirty Birds are an essential part of the livelihood of Magnet’s football games.
I asked the Dirty Birds for their five favorite Dirty Birds rhythms. In no particular order, the five top Dirty Birds rhythms are “The Thing,” “The Metal,” “Freaky Deaky,” “Bongos,” and “Stix.”
The rhythm “The Thing” was created by former Dirty Bird Kelly Sutcliffe. This rhythm consists of multiple different parts separated by a series of claps done by the Dirty Birds. Kelly brought the original idea, but with the help of the Dirty Birds, Kelly was helped, and their vision was complete. “The Thing” is one of the more popular Dirty Birds rhythms, often played at different Dirty Birds performances.
As previously mentioned, “The Metal” was brought to the Dirty Birds’ attention by Amara Buelk, who was inspired by a Tenacious D song of the same name. It grew from an idea after the Dirty Birds helped bring Amara’s idea to life and is now a favorite among this year’s Dirty Birds group.
“Freaky Deaky” is one of the Dirty Birds’ most iconic rhythms featured on one of the Dirty Birds’ recorded albums. “Freaky Deaky” is a Dirty Birds staple and is frequently performed at both football games and pep rallies because of its fun nature. This rhythm is one of the first Dirty Birds cheers and will likely be played for many years to come.
“Bongos” is another rhythm formed from outside material, this time from a song by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. This rhythm is super fun and lively to hear, especially since a good number of people know the original song, as well!
“Stix” is my personal favorite Dirty Birds rhythm and consists of a back-beat rhythm that features different breaks to add an unexpected twist. These breaks include (to name just a few) a drum roll played on the djembe, a series of claps, and (my personal favorite) accessories like rain sticks and bells to add an extra assortment of sounds to the song. This rhythm is so fun to hear!
One unique opportunity in Dirty Birds that many may not be aware of is the chance to play for elementary school students at the Otranto Library. This field trip is a rewarding experience where Dirty Birds drummers have the opportunity to play for kids and to not only let them hear the new rhythms and songs that are being perfected but also to teach them about music and drums. While, of course, the students perform for the elementary school kids, they also teach them how to play each drum and provide a basic set of history surrounding the drums. Ava Cauthen, another Senior Dirty Bird, said that this is her favorite Dirty Birds event because it is fun to spread her love of music to all students who attend. This annual event is another example of why the Dirty Birds are so great!
The Dirty Birds meet every week on Thursdays after school for rehearsal and additional times to prepare for performances. Dirty Birds is open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who enjoy music; however, experience playing the drums is not required. Mr. Grimshaw looks for students with a passion for music who are willing to participate actively and add to the inclusive and enjoyable environment of the group. While it is likely too late to join this late into the school year, I recommend considering joining the Dirty Birds starting next year by contacting Mr. Grimshaw to see if it is possible to join this semester! Dirty Birds is an excellent representation of why Magnet is so special and is another unique club in the Magnet community.
