The 3rd degree Burns Band is going to light up the Guardians of Rock Concert Tour for 2017.

Sophomore Jenna Robinson plays lead and rhythm guitar in 3rd degree Burns.

“I showed an interest in music when I was pretty young, and I thought the guitar was just the coolest thing ever,” Robinson said. “So when my parents realized my interest, they got me an acoustic guitar for my 10th birthday. I’ve been playing ever since.”

The 3rd degree Burns Band is sponsored by Young Musicians Community, which is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for students to study, learn, and perform music.

Students learn how to play an instrument, engage in stage performance, and how to master singing techniques in a classic rock band.

3rd degree Burns performs at local festivals, charity events, and other venues. Some of their bigger events include placing first at the Walk the Beat competition in Grand Haven and performing at Detroit’s Beats and Eats.

Mr. Gary Burns, the band’s manager and director, is excited for the upcoming concert.

Burns said, “YMC (Young Musicians Community) and 3rd degree Burns is really looking forward to our annual kickoff concert this year.”

On Saturday, Feb. 18, 3rd degree Burns is performing at the Davison High School from 6 to 9 p.m. and tickets only cost $5.

“I want to invite all Kearsley High School students and staff to come to our show Feb. 18,” Burns said.

The concert is a fundraiser for 3rd degree Burns.

Money raised from the fundraiser goes to scholarships, new equipment, instruments, repairs, performance expenses, growth of the program, and possibly a rehearsal and recording center.

Members of 3rd degree Burns love the program.

“I think 3rd degree Burns is an excellent program because it helps me express myself,” pianist Hannah Newsom said. “When I’m on stage with the band, I can be who I want to be and have fun with others who share the same interest.”

Burns started the program to help young people discover their musical talents and truly utilize them and is always looking for new members.

“We especially want all Kearsley musicians that would like to be in a rock band to come check it out,” Burns said. “We would love to have you audition for the band and join the team.”

Burns’ directing has led band members in a positive direction.

“One of the main reasons I’m in the program is Gary (Burns),” Newsom said. “He is one of the sweetest, most caring men I  have ever met, and he only cares about our happiness and hoping that we feel involved and loved by everyone.”

Robinson is looking forward to the concert on the 18th.

“I’m the only kid in the band from Kearsley, and the majority of our audience is from Lapeer,” Robinson said. “Having the concert in Davison will be nice because it’s closer to Kearsley, so more kids from this area can see our band.”

Sophomore Audri Counelis has gone to performances by 3rd degree Burns and was impressed by the band.

Counelis said,”They’re so energetic and they’re just so fun to watch. They all have so much talent.”