Kesser Torah’s Boy Band
Sydney’s Kesser Torah College’s Kacha Kacha is a boy band with a difference. Their YouTube hit Living the Good Life encapsulates the spirit and essence of their school, with students across the academic years collaborating to produce a remarkable parody inspired by the school motto “Live it, Love it, Learn it”.
Kacha Kacha
In the tradition of many other bands, Kacha Kacha has a message to deliver, in their case being one born out of respect for their lifestyle and educational environment. Their catchy parody of the popular Good Life by rock band OneRepublic depicts not only their camaraderie and love for music, but also their commitment to living up to KTC’s core values, respectfully living, loving and learning within the context of an Orthodox Jewish environment.
Gedg Lederman and KTC Boys High School Vice-Captain Karmi Shariev wrote the lyrics as part of a school competition late in 2011. What happened in the next few months is a story of innovation, devotion and inspiration.
From a simple school assembly to the school speech night, the band of high school students developed and honed their skills. The collaboration between band members Zac Robinson (keyboard), Yossi Glogauer (percussion), Mishoel Lobel and Shuie (guitar), Gedg Lederman and Yossi Meyer (vocals), is all the more remarkable in that it has been driven by the students themselves from the start. Student collaboration of this nature is a distinguishing feature of KTC and is evidenced by the fact that the band is made up of students ranging from Years 8-12, who to quote their own lyrics, are “living the dream at KTC”.
The first gig, at the school speech night, ended with a standing ovation and paved the road for the initiative. Committed to developing their repertoire and their skills, the boys started working on a music video.
The material was all there. Fresh, enthusiastic musicians and a helpful school IT Department collaborated to start the recording process in the school music room. The catchy name, Kacha Kacha, Hebrew slang for so-so, added to the impetus and former KTC student and freelance filmmaker Asher Shellim was approached with regards to filming and directing the video.
The students wanted someone who would bring the song, and their message, to life. Shellim, founder of Grassmere Films, proved to be the perfect choice. With knowledge of the campus and advanced filming techniques, Shellim worked tirelessly with Kacha Kacha to develop an appropriate story board. After hours of filming and specialised editing, Shellim succeeded in producing a polished and professional product.
The band is now eagerly anticipating the 8th Day Concert in Sydney on 3 June, where they will perform Living the Good Life as well as their new numbers as the supporting act.
Watch the video
