2nd Thought band members (left to right) Braden Bjella, Anders Bjella, Brendan Demet, Riley Gasiorowski and Isaac Young practice in Whitefish Bay.

While most middle and high school students try to balance after school activities, studying and hanging out with friends, five boys in Whitefish Bay added creating and playing in a band that has been recognized around the state for their talent, to the mix.

2nd Thought is comprised of five members ranging in age from 12 to 15, and they have been playing together since 2005.

Bassist and vocalist Braden Bjella, 12; lead guitarist and vocalist Isaac Young, 13; rhythm guitarist and vocalist Brendan Demet, 14; drummer Anders Bjella, 14; and keyboardist Riley Gasiorowski, 15; make up the band.

"We each have different influences with different styles of music," Anders Bjella said.

Band members use their different influences when playing their individual instruments, they said.

"The sound is important to each individual, and we do a good job of putting it all together," Gasiorowski said.

He said the band tries to infuse older music with that of new music.

2nd Thought not only plays cover songs from bands such as Green Day, Lynyrd Skynyrd and U2, they also write some of their own music.

Demet said that, after the music has been written, the band members each contribute to the overall piece.

"We all add elements to the sound," he said.

Band members said they practice twice a week, usually on Thursdays and Sundays, at the Bjellas’ home.

"If we have a real big concert coming up, we practice more," Gasiorowski said.

Anders Bjella said the band members spend a few minutes playing ping-pong or video games before practice begins.

"We’re all in friend mode until practice," he said. "Then we strap up and tune up."

Anders Bjella said the band practices until they are satisfied with their work.

"We get to where we need to be so as to make sure all the transitions (between songs) are smooth," he said.

On Jan. 5, the band opened up for the Goo Goo Dolls at the Bradley Center.

Demet said the band prefers a bigger crowd.

"A bigger crowd is so much better," Gasiorowski agreed.

Playing at Summerfest was their biggest accomplishment to date, band members said.

"We were the youngest band ever to play twice in one year," Gasiorowski said.

Band members give much credit to their parents’ encouragement.

"None of us could do any of this without the support of our parents," Gasiorowski said.

Band members said they have learned a lot from playing music together.

"You really learn how to deal with people," Anders Bjella said.

The group said they usually try to steer the conversation away from themselves when their band is brought up at school.

"We don’t brag," Young said. "It’s awkward to talk about when people bring (the band’s success) up."

Jane Gasiorowski, Diane Bjella and JoAnn Young said they have seen several changes in their sons since the band formed.

"They are a team," Diane Bjella said. "They rely on each other."

They also are learning teamwork, compromise, diplomacy and communication, the women said.

"This will prepare them for life experiences," JoAnn Young said.

Jane Gasiorowski said the band backs each other up.

"We just stand back and watch with pride," she said.

JoAnn Young said there is a trust base with the band members.

"They have grown up together, and shared those connections," she said.

As for the band themselves, they say they just love playing their music.

"We’re very committed," Anders Bjella said. "It’s great because we really get to see the work and the amount of time we put into it."

Gasiorowski said the band just wants to make music in a professional manner and have fun while doing it.

"We’re just a group of musicians who come together and who ended up becoming good friends."

Past 2nd Thought performances

Summerfest

Admirals games

Taste of Madison

Milwaukee County Zoo Zoo a la Carte

FOX 6 Wake Up News

Relay for Life

Marquette games

Upcoming 2nd Thought performances

April 18: Grafton Middle School

May 24: Brat Fest in Madison

May 25: New Glarus Community Fest

For more information, contact Diane Bjella at (414) 906-1454 or (414) 241-1028.