Riffs and Report Cards: An inside look at Staff Infection

By Emmy McGill

The passing comment – “we should get a band together” turned into a reality, when upon further discussion, it was discovered that many staff members had secret musical talents. 

They started playing together for fun. Eventually they started doing performances at the end of year staff party. Around 2010 they played their first assembly and have made occasional appearances since. The band is now known formally as Staff Infection.

With a rotating cast, they’ve had members come and go. However, some of the original performers are still with the band. Former teacher, Schallenberger on drums and Mcanally on vocals are two of the original members who have stuck with Staff Infection. 

Other members featured in last Friday's assembly include: Dr. Quaid and Ms. Baudoin on vocals, Mr. Sakow on Guitar, Mr. Binkley on bass, Ms. Freeland on violin, and Mr. Askew on the keyboard. 

Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” played by Staff Infection at Friday's assembly, was a crowd favorite – and unexpectedly a band favorite as well. Mr. Colcord, the band’s guitarist and unofficial ‘secretary’, reported that when the band first started out, everyone wanted to play their own kind of music. Often they wanted slow and brooding songs. 

After a while, the band realized that more upbeat hits would appeal better to their crowds, so their sound shifted. According to Ms. Mcanally, they wanted to play what the audience wanted to hear – “they don’t want to hear sad love songs, they want to jump up and (...) get hyped” 

The excitement that filled River’s gymnasium has left many wondering if they’ll make another appearance on the assembly scene, but that is a question that only Staff infection can answer.