The Perception of Something More Than Ordinary

By Joseph Zuniga

During winter break, Ordinary Perceptions, a band that started first at Dominican
University, performed on December 14th at Max McCook Athletic Expo during the
Windy City Rollers’ doubleheader home games.

This was the band’s first time performing at a sports event and was their biggest gig yet.

The band consists of four members: Lars Kacmar, who plays bass and sings for the
group; Madison DuFresne, who plays drums; Melissa Solis, who plays lead guitar; and
Michelle Alonso, who plays rhythm guitar.

Unfortunately for the band, Kacmar and Alonso couldn’t attend the roller derby game.
However, the band was able to find replacements to cover their place.

To replace Kacmar, Ordinary Perceptions had Rashad Oliver as lead singer. Oliver
performs in front of live crowds regularly and is part of a rap duo.

For Alonso’s replacement, the band was able to find Steven Zick as a substitute bass
guitarist. Zick has experience being in a marching band, and school band, along with
playing the French horn for an ensemble.

Ordinary Perceptions perform their own songs as they were practicing during rehearsal.
Though Ordinary Perceptions faced changes, it overall didn’t diminish the band’s
performance or image as one audience member, Lee Moran, gave his opinion.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I saw two acoustic guitars and an electric drumset at
a roller derby event, but it was a very cool surprise,” he said. “I didn’t know what was
coming next, I like that.”

Another audience member, Thomas Kirkendall, found Oliver’s voice very pleasing.
“I like his voice, the sedate tone of it is very nice and it helps set the atmosphere for the
band,” he said. “I dig it.”

DuFresne’s father, Todd DuFresne, attended the roller derby game and expressed his
support for his daughter.

“She’s doing awesome, I’m so proud of her in every way.”

One main concern for DuFresne and a big setback for Ordinary Perceptions is that she
and the band would like to see more accommodation for bands on campus.

“I do wish Dominican was more accommodating to students who want to make music,”
she said. “Finding practice space has been hard for us. We have practiced in the
recording studio before but the problem with it is that it closes at five and we are all free
after five.”

DuFresne also gave her thoughts on how it felt to make something original and how it
tells their own story.

“It’s a really great feeling when you make something, I’m in awe,” she said. “Why
memorize somebody else’s story when I can make my own.”

To contact Ordinary Perceptions, you can email them at
ordinaryperceptions@gmail.com

jzuniga1@my.dom.edu