Through Gerry Burton, Modern Band class at Rocky Mountain turns into Velvet Thundr

Music has always been a powerful force in Gerry Burton’s life. From his early days spent listening to his grandfather’s old country and jazz records, Burton was captivated by the raw emotion and energy that music could evoke. Little did he know that this passion would lead him to become a beloved music teacher and the driving force behind a unique side class titled “Modern Band.” 

Burton, the band director at Rocky Mountain Middle/High School in Cowley, has brought his love for music and his infectious enthusiasm into the classroom. Recently, he launched Modern Band, a contemporary music program that has quickly become a hit among students. The students in Modern Band humorously came up with a band name, “Velvet Thundr” – a name inspired not by the iconic 1960s psychedelic band “The Velvet Underground” but by a reference from the TV show Family Guy. This, in itself, reflects Burton’s fun-loving spirit and his belief that “music should always be fun.”

Velvet Thundr consists of 8-10 talented students, all from Cowley, except for bassist Charlotte Bair, who lives in Lovell. Burton hopes to encourage more students from Lovell to join, emphasizing that the band is a welcoming space for all.

The group plays a wide range of musical styles, covering everything from Elvis Presley classics to modern hits. Their talent was recently recognized when they earned a “superior” rating at the district music assessments, showcasing not only their passion for playing but also their impressive skill.

Members of Velvet Thundr at times over the weeks have been Lafe Files - guitar and vocals; Kasen Banks - lead guitar and vocals; Katie Badget – bass; Matthew Crosby - guitar and vocals; Sharlotte Hanusa - keyboard and vocals; Kaden Clark – drums; Charlotte Bair – bass; Joaquin Scheeler – drums; Hudson May – vocals, guitar and roadie; and Lily Bauwens – vocals.

The genesis

Burton’s journey to creating Velvet Thundr was born out of his desire to share his love for music with the next generation. Before becoming a teacher, Burton had a successful career as a therapist. On the surface, these two professions might seem worlds apart, but Burton sees a deep connection between them.

“Music is the best therapy there is,” Burton said.

After years of helping people through traditional therapy, Burton felt the pull of his musical roots and decided to switch careers, focusing on teaching music. His background in therapy gives him a unique perspective in the classroom, where he fosters an environment of positivity and emotional support.

Burton’s dedication to his students goes beyond just teaching them to play instruments -- he’s fostering a deep appreciation for music and its role in their lives. He encourages his students to explore various genres, experiment with different sounds and put their own unique spin on the music they play.

This creative freedom has not only boosted their confidence but also brought them closer as a group, turning Velvet Thundr into more than just a school band – it’s a musical family.

In addition to his work with Velvet Thundr, Burton’s personal life is steeped in music. He and his wife share a love for live music and recently returned from a summer trip where they visited music festivals from Nashville, Tennessee, to Ohio.

“It’s our thing, it’s what we do,” Burton said with a smile.

His own experiences at concerts have shaped his approach to teaching. His first concert was with the glam metal band Cinderella, and one of his most memorable was seeing Pink live. He also had the unforgettable opportunity to see guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan perform in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, shortly before the icon’s tragic death.

Burton’s passion for music is matched by his childlike energy and positivity, qualities that have endeared him to his students and colleagues alike. He brings a sense of joy and excitement to his teaching, making his classroom a welcoming and inspiring space.

“Music and nature is the substance of life,” Burton said.

As Velvet Thundr continues to grow and inspire, Burton remains at the helm, guiding his students with passion, resilience and an unwavering belief in the power of music to bring people together. Through his work, Burton is not only teaching music but also fostering a sense of community and connection that resonates far beyond the classroom.

His story is a testament to the transformative power of music and the impact one dedicated teacher can have on the lives of many.