Filing in row by row, students entered the Wrigley Theater on Nov. 6, anticipating a quick, unremarkable Gathering before heading to their next class. They definitely didn’t expect to be greeted by six of their very own teachers performing a lineup of cult classic songs.
The faculty rock band, Staff Infection, enjoyed a hugely successful debut performance. Its vibrant, lively energy in the theater lingered even after the final note, leaving students buzzing about the performance.
“I like watching the faculty performances,” freshman Nivi Shah said. “It’s interesting to see another side of teachers that I didn’t know about.”
A highlight of the stunning performance was Upper School English teacher James Joyce strumming his bass guitar and flashing a bright smile to the crowd.
Growing up, Mr. Joyce tried many hobbies, but music stuck with him.
In middle school, Mr. Joyce fell in love with the bass guitar. “When I was 13 years old, I would see the older kids playing in bands, and they inspired me to begin playing,” he said. “I enjoyed how I could improve and practice on my guitar at my own pace.”
Familiarizing himself with the bass guitar, Mr. Joyce joined his first band, Absolute Zero, at only 13. Mr. Joyce made his breakthrough performance at his local block party with his band, and from then on, he continued to share his musical talents.
As an introvert throughout high school, Mr. Joyce found that connecting with others through music allowed him to express himself and open up.
“Personally, I never enjoyed playing any sports growing up because I never understood all the rules,” Mr. Joyce said. “I thought that it was easier to play music for people than talk about it.”
Mr. Joyce has since joined many bands to continue to share his music, including The Hallow, a hardcore band, and Krayola, a pop punk garage rock band. He also participated in two other rock bands, called Fusia and Wet Wipes.
“After joining my first band, I went on to play for other bands at cafes, basement shows, or little venues around Chicago,” he said.
Many of these bands were formed by Mr. Joyce and his close friends, creating a comfortable environment and allowing them to play music with familiar faces. Currently, he participates in a band with a few of his friends, the name of which he chose not to disclose for his privacy.
Despite his success as a bass player, Mr. Joyce ultimately decided to become an English teacher and play in his band on the side. “I found teaching to be a much more stable position, and I love to teach just as much as I love music,” he said.
But music has remained a huge part of Mr. Joyce’s life in and outside of school. This year, he became a founding member of Staff Infection and quickly established himself as a vital part of the group.
Upper School computer science teacher Bobby Oommen, who is also in the faculty rock band, said, “Mr. Joyce is one of the best bass players I’ve ever met. He knows how to play what the song needs.”
For Mr. Joyce, music intersects with school even outside of Staff Infection practices, with music frequently informing his work in the classroom. For example, both teaching a class and being a member of a band require collaboration, motivating him to connect with others.
Throughout this year, freshman Charlie Winter has noticed Mr. Joyce's zeal for connecting with students. “I think Mr. Joyce is energetic and an amazing teacher,” Charlie said.
Whether he’s coordinating a classroom or playing in harmony with a band, Mr. Joyce believes this collaboration is essential.
“When I play in a band, everyone is on the same wavelength in order to play cohesively,” he said. “In a classroom, I find that everyone needs to be on the same wavelength to have a successful discussion. There are many small things that relate music to teaching.”
