By Angel Dominguez
Ordinary Perceptions is a music band formed at Dominican University, consisting of four key members: Madison DuFresne, Melissa Solis, Lars Kacmar, and Michelle Alonso. Three of the band members, DuFresne, Solis, and Kacmar, are current students at the university.
The significance behind the band’s name began in the Rebecca Crown Library. Here, the band came together and looked through the library’s collection of Victorian poetry books in search of inspiration.
The band compiled a list of meaningful words and agreed on Ordinary Perceptions, a name they felt was dynamic and open to interpretation.
The band brings a garage rock style of play with each member contributing unique influences within the rock genre. The band also writes their own lyrics and plans to release a single, “No One’s Gotta Wait”, in the near future.
As they continue playing, the band are advocating for more accessible spaces for students on campus, specifically for the arts. The band has been able to practice out of the Center of Cultural Liberation and are looking to utilize the library’s recording studio space to rehearse and record. However, they noted challenges with the operational hours and access to the studio and music room, which have created obstacles in scheduling practices.
Despite the hurdles, DuFresne and Solis shared that the band brings a sense of excitement and creativity after classes and are looking forward to the future of the band.
Follow Ordinary Perceptions on Instagram.
Madison DuFresne
Major: Psychology
Role: Drummer
Madison is the drummer for Ordinary Perceptions. Her desire to be in a band stem from a young age. As a sophomore majoring in Psychology with a minor in English at Dominican, Madison shared that playing brings a level of creativity that is very intimate and exciting. Some of her favorite albums include Underoath’s 2004 album, They’re Only Chasing Safety and Senses Fail’s album, Let It Enfold You.
Melissa Solis
Major: Painting
Role: Guitarist
Melissa is the band’s lead guitarist and is an avid music lover who enjoys post-punk and blues music. She is majoring in painting with a double minor in drawing and printmaking and psychology. Melissa shared that the band gives her something to look forward to. She also hopes the band can resume playing together soon.
Lars Kacmar
Major: History and Secondary Education
Role: Bassist and Lead Singer
Lars plays bass and is the band’s lead singer. He sees the group as a way to express himself creatively. Lars is majoring in History and Secondary Education, while also pursuing photography, film, and poetry. As a passionate fan of art and music, his artistic influences include David Bowie and Pink Floyd. He hopes to pursue music as a career.
Im excited to see something from the band, I wanna experience their stage presence, and maybe even join or form my own band someday