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About the Band

Describe the kind of music you play and the ambiance you create at 242.

The best way to describe the music we play at 242 is relevant. The God we worship can see past a certain style or genre of music. He sees and cares about the hearts of those singing his praises. At 242, the style of music we play is relevant to the people we are, and the people we want to engage in our community. We all come from different backgrounds, some classically trained, others self-taught. From Blues and Jazz to Pop and Rock, we have a pretty eclectic mix that come together, and it’s a lot of fun that way.
 
In a given day or week, we as people go through many emotions. Highs and lows. Our Father not only helps us through the lows and celebrates the highs with us, he understands them too. The "ambience" we wish to create in our music is somewhat the same. From a loud, driving opening song, to ending with a simple piano or acoustic-lead song, we hope that the average person can see all aspects of our Father. Worship is a powerful thing. It’s when we truly begin to praise God, we become vulnerable enough for his spirit to work within us.

 

What is the purpose of the 242 band?

The worship is of God is heart thing. We just provide the medium for those who go to 242. It’s easy to get in the way of God sometimes, it happens without thinking. So most often the prayers of the band before we play are simply, "God help us to get out of the way.” That's our purpose.

 

What’s the history of the band?

The band began with Doug Biggs — he was an original 242'er. Doug has always been a driving force in the band both figuratively as a leader and literally as our drummer. Aaron Pew came on about September of 2006 to play guitars and sing lead vocals. With the help of some wonderful ladies (Katy Lee, Rachael Mayberry, and Hayley McHenry) the band was given a much-needed female presence…and instantly looked a 100% better. Soon we needed keyboards. Brian Gensch and Aaron had played together for years, so Brian came on board too. He gives us balance with his keyboards and backing vocals. And he steps up to lead when called upon. During the Spring of 2007, we added another guitarist, Cody Corbet. He’s an axe-slinger with a vast guitar-playing history. Most nights you will find him cranking it up on the electric guitar. Cody also brings a lot to the table as our troubleshooting "Mr. Fix-It,” and has more often than not saved the day. Our last member to join was Derek Christophel. Derek was an instant fit to the band, not only musically as our bassist, but as our friend. Being in a band is more like a family than anything else, and we love our family.

 

Some fun facts about the band:

- The band does not have a name

- Some past potential names (though not really taken seriously) were: Jesus Thunder or Captain Gensch and the Shrimp Shack Shooters

- We love strawberry pie!

- We usually finish sound check two seconds before everyone comes walking through the door

- Aaron has five guitars, none of which have ever stayed in tune for more than one song in a row during 242 worship

- Combined experience in music between the current members is about 50 years

- We play covers from: Journey, Tom Petty, Skynrd, Van Halen (not Van Hagar), The Black Crowes, Bill Withers, Gavin DeGraw, Snow Patrol, U2 and Coldplay