Alert All Arms

Members: Jacob, Caleb, Josh, Chandler Former Member: Wes After leaving their 3rd band together, Jacob and Caleb had decided that they have to do something different, something they would love doing, and something they knew we couldn't live without. Jacob and Caleb both love music; they've been making music together since the 7th grade. Jacob and Caleb were upset and sick of bands not working out, so they decided to do something about it. They had some material written, some guitar riffs here and there, however they still needed a full band. So the search for what would be Alert All Arms began. Chandler Watson instantly came to mind as a guitarist. We've known him for a long time he's a great player, and is one of the funniest people we know. We called him about starting a band and he was very open to the idea of it. When we had our first practice he showed up holding an old guitar that had literally been gutted. It had no pickups, no strings and no tuning knobs. It looked like a paddle for a boat. He walked in with it and said, "I'm ready to play!" and we just looked at him and laughed. Jacob and Caleb were stoked to have Chandler in the band, but they still needed one more person to complete the puzzle. They had talked to a few people they knew, and had looked around at people in other bands, but they just did not find anyone that really stuck out to them, until we met Wes Cooper. Wes's goofy personality and passion for music was what drew Jacob and Caleb to him. Jacob and Caleb talked to him after school and asked about what music he liked and what he was all about. Everything Wes said matched up with their hopes and dreams for where they wanted the band to go. Jacob and Caleb told him that they were starting a band, and asked if he would be interested in joining. Wes was down with the idea and was excited to be in a band with people who had the same taste as him. Alert All Arm's first practice as a whole band was like a majestic dream of fantasies. Within 45 minutes they had written their first two complete songs. After it was all done they looked at each other with huge smiles on their faces. Alert All Arms just clicked so well. After six or so more practices Alert All Arms booked their first show. Little did they know that about 300 of their best friends would come out to see them play. It was great; Alert All Arms had a blast and got lots of compliments from people. They later found out that Max Collins, the lead singer from the band Eve 6, saw them play and liked what he heard. From then on they played a handful of shows around Little Rock and kept on playing their best regardless of how many people showed up. From this start, things just came together better than they had expected or even hoped. It was like a sign. This time things were going strangely well. In the spring of 2008 Wes had decided that he needed to go to college so he decided to leave the band. Alert All Arms loves him, and he's still a great friend, but they hated to see him go. So this obviously led a search to find another guitarist. After hearing that Alert All Arms was in need of a new guitarist, Josh Dopieralla contacted them and said he was interested. He had previously been in a local hardcore band so they knew he had some experience. Alert All Arms talked to him for a little bit and had him come over to try out. It was an instant connection and without even talking amongst ourselves Alert All Arms knew that he had to be in the band. It was incredible that they found such an excellent addition so fast. Alert All Arms couldn't have found a better person. Alert All Arm's members all have very diverse musical backgrounds. Caleb has been playing drums for six years, and has been studying lots of funk and jazz with my drum instructor. Drums are Caleb's first musical love. Ever since he was a little kid he would beat on pots and pans and even teddy bears for his "bass drum". When he was 12 Caleb's parents bought him a drum set for Christmas. Caleb would probably consider that one of the most important days of his life. Not long after Caleb got his drums, he got his hands on a Blink 182 album. After hearing it he realized that he had to pursue music. Caleb also loves playing the piano, Radiohead is one of his biggest musical influences and inspired him to start pursuing the piano more. Caleb's Music Theory class also helped him a lot with writing music. It's made Caleb realize how complicated music can really be, which just makes Caleb love it even more. Caleb listens to all sorts of music, everything from Blink 182 to Lil Wayne to any kind of jazz. Chandler started playing guitar at the age of 11. His dad brought home a small guitar from a local guitar shop that was going out of business. He was hooked. Chandler had played piano since he was practically born from the encouragement of his parents. Early on Chandler played more jazz but had an interest in all genres music. He grew up on Blink-182 but also listened to anything from Bob Dylan to the Beastie Boys. He was always searching for new bands and influences. Chandler always had a strong interest in music theory and studied under a world renown classical pianist. He has been mentored and taught by Jason Truby, the past guitarist for P.O.D. Jason Turbey has been a huge help in kicking Alert All Arms off and is available for any advice. Jacob has been singing ever since he was a baby. Jacob remembers sitting in the car on the way to and from school singing his heart out to the Backstreet Boys, Phil Keggy, and anything that came on the radio. Jacob started out playing bass guitar when he was 10 because his Dad, who has been playing for more than thirty years, basically gave him his guitar and told Jacob to practice. So Jacob did. When Jacob was in the 6th grade he met Caleb in the Band Hall of their school. They played trumpet together for about three years. It is the only instrument Jacob truly knows how to play. Jacob's biggest influences in music have been Blink 182 and The Starting Line. Jacob knows that God has blessed him through every step in Alert All Arms and in his life. Josh has been playing guitar since he was about 16. Josh got his first guitar when he was about 12. It was a First Act, the ones one gets from Walmart. Josh waited for about two years before actually start playing. Josh played with his friend Michael for a few years, but it never really got anywhere. Josh met Jacob in the summer of 2007. Jacob filled in at bass for Josh's old metal band that Josh was in for almost two years. When Josh heard that Wes left the band, Josh messaged Jacob to see if he could try out. About a week later Jacob messaged Josh back and Josh auditioned the next day. Josh instantly fell in love with the guys. They just clicked. Playing on stage in front of people is such an amazing feeling and Josh is glad he got to do it with these guys. Alert All Arms is more than just a band. It's more like best friends, pretty much family, who love to make music together and just have fun. Note: The above was written by Caleb, and was adapted into the third person. Currently, Jacob and Caleb have moved to another band, named EKG.