Misha Kushnir: Rock and Rhythm
NEIRAD enilno edition
Senior Misha Kushnir is making the best of his final year. Kushnir participates in Tudor Singers, Theatre 308, and even his own band.
Misha is the lead vocals and plays the guitar for Forging Utopia (previously known as Tempest). “He’s a great guitar player,” senior Tommy Festo said. Festo is a guitar player and his brother, sophomore Michael Festo plays drums on Forging Utopia. Senior Jordan Washer plays the bass and senior Zach Heyde plays piano.
Forging Utopia is a progressive metal band that has been playing together for four years. Some of its inspirations are Metallica, Dream Theater, and Symphony X. However they are not the screaming metal band many may think. “A lot of people make misconceptions,” Kushnir said.
Forging Utopia’s biggest success was composing and performing its epic, 14-minute long song, “Titanomachy.” Fans can check it out on YouTube or on Facebook . Forging Utopia’s biggest challenge is keeping track of everything. “We are not organized at all,” Kushnir said.
Kushnir is hoping graduation won’t lead to the band’s break up this summer. “It’s nice to have a group of guys to hang out with that have the same sense of humor,” Kushnir said. He enjoys writing, performing, and recording songs while hanging out with the band. Depending on which college the members attend, they hope to stay in the same area and remain dedicated to playing music.
Kushnir is excited for the years to come at college. “I want to meet a lot of new people,” he said. Kushnir wants to go to a large college, which features a nice campus and strong academics. MIT, University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Chicago are some of the schools in which he is applying. “It’s been a lot of work and it feels like it won’t end, but I think I’ve stayed on top of it,” Kushnir said. He wants to keep the music connection going by pursuing a minor in music and major in engineering.
Kushnir has made a lot of progress during his high school career. Freshman year he entered choir in a Metallica t-shirt and long hair. “He looked like a stereotypical heavy metal guy,” choir teacher Christopher Andrade said. Kushnir was the only bass his freshman year, and since then has been making steady improvements. “He’s a well-rounded musician and improves his voice constantly,” Mr Andrade said. Comparing his rock and classical choices of music Kushnir said, “They’re both enjoyable, but so different. I’d say rock is more satisfying for me. Kushnir rocks out with a white Shecktor, seven-string guitar with a locking Floyd trem.
The music department this year chose a rock theme. This afforded Kushnir the chance to take the stage with a real pro from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. “I enjoyed the Mark Wood concert, and am looking forward to getting to do more with the rock theme in the spring,” Kushnir said. (For more on Wood’s concert, see “Trans-Siberian Vocalist Inspires Orchestra")
Misha will finish out his last semester with a ton of music experience. He hopes to meet new diverse people and keep rocking for years to come. “I just love to play music.”
