Sophomore Michael Peterson unloads his bass guitar from its case in preparation for the evening’s rehearsal in the familiar sunroom, complete with half stack amplifiers, guitars hanging on the walls and a full PA system– an ideal space for any young musician.

Peterson and his group began playing together when a mutual friend invited him over to join a jam session with Mansfield High School junior Ben Miller. The two grew familiar with each other’s playing styles and discovered the synergy they had when they played with one another. The two decided to include another member in the group, drummer Anthony Peterson, Michael’s 13-year-old brother. When Anthony joined the group, the trio began to call themselves MP3.

“I hope to be playing with them after high school,” Michael said, “but with graduation plans, I’m not sure how possible that is.”

Michael, Ben, and Anthony involve themselves in musical activities outside of MP3. Michael and Ben participate in choir with their schools, while Anthony participates in the Linda Jobe Band. Studies have shown an active involvement in music correlates with academic achievement with higher standardized test scores, better grade point average, and better attendance in those who are musically inclined. Michael and his bandmates have proven themselves examples of these studies.

“Most of us are pretty academic by maintaining ‘A’ averages,” Michael said.

Unplanned jam sessions grew into scheduled rehearsals, which the group used to practice covers of songs written by their favorite bands, particularly from to the rock genre, which encompasses bands such as Led Zeppelin, ACDC and the Beatles. Occasionally, the band strays away from covers and plays original music such as their most recent track, “Runaway”.

“Runaway was inspired by the band’s strong desire to move forward as a band to be innovative and unique,” Michael said.

As the band began to develop their talents as a group, they decided they ought to leave the familiar sunroom and move on to playing for strangers instead of only playing in front of family and friends. MP3 played at Western Kountry Klub which consisted of an audience unique from the family and friends they become accustomed to. The band played a benefit show to support the research for a cure for breast cancer. The other participating bands in the event played mostly country music and mainly consisted of older members. When taking the stage, MP3 surprised the audience with its youthful look and its unique music style.

“People are surprised when they realize that we’re playing musically complex songs that are not really popular with our age,”  Michael said.

When Ben strummed the first note on his guitar, music instantly filled the room. MP3 played its rehearsed setlist which earned a great reception from the audience. Success from its show led MP3 to greetings from their admirers with handshakes and compliments.

“The audience saw our performance as a change of pace for the show,” Michael said. “It was generally enjoyed by everyone.”

Their voluntary performance granted them the opportunity of four subsequent shows where they gained payment and a steadily growing fanbase.

“People have a negative first impression of us,” Michael said. “They think we lack experience and talent because of our young age, but I think we prove their assumptions wrong.”