Whether it’s inside or outside of the classroom, the student experience comes first at Durham College. This theory was put to the test on February 15 when the daily routine of both staff and students was punctuated by impromptu musical entertainment.

20 Amp Soundchild, the up-and-coming alternative band from Pickering, Ont. surprised staff and students at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses with an unforgettable musical performance.

“We were here in December to film our first music video, Lights Go Out. It was great of the college to let us do that and they treated us like royalty,” said Nick Viera, guitar and vocalist for the band. “When the college asked us to come back and do a surprise performance for the campuses, of course we said yes.”

David Hughes (bass), 2010 Durham College alumnus, who graduated from the Electrician – Construction and Maintenance and Electrician – Industrial (Apprenticeship), along with Ryan Walker (drums), Viera and Justin Lant (guitar) performed in Recognition Square at noon at the Oshawa campus and again in the student lounge at the Whitby campus at 1 p.m. Both performances added fun and excitement to an otherwise typical Wednesday afternoon at the college.

“It’s so cool that the college is bringing in talent to perform at the school,” said Jessica Medico, a student in the General Arts and Science program. “It’s great to be exposed to different and varied events.”

20 Amp Soundchild’s first music video, Lights Go Out is currently number 27 on MuchMusic’s Fresh Videos list. It is about bullying with the main character depicted as an extra-terrestrial being to portray his sense of alienation. The band feels bullying is an important issue in our society and hopes their message resonates with today’s youth.

The video is now live on YouTube and has already received close to 4,800 hits.

	@durhamcollege: Thank you @20AmpSoundchild for entertaining the DC community today. #greatmusic #DC20AmpSoundchild pic.twitter.com/TUk9FIPl
	@20AmpSoundchild: Thanks to @durhamcollege for everything today!!! And of course all of the students for sticking around! #DC20AmpSoundchild
	@jenniferrx: Free concert in the Durham College 🙂 come jam out since everyone loves free music #dc20ampsoundchild
	@DMusicDirectory: Are you at #DurhamCollege #UOIT right NOW?! Head to the pit! @20AmpSoundchild is in the pit playing!
	@YourSA_Buddy: Something HUGE is about to happen in the pit! #DurhamCollege #UOIT … Come noooowww!