The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch

The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch

The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch

Senior opens the ‘Doar’s of opportunities

Senior Eric Doar plays the drums after his Glenbrook North Symphonic Band rehearsal. Doar’s schedule consists of concert and jazz bands, hockey and his band, Bullfights on Acid. Photo by Morgan Berg
Senior Eric Doar plays the drums after his Glenbrook North Symphonic Band rehearsal. Doar’s schedule consists of concert and jazz bands, hockey and his band, Bullfights on Acid. Photo by Morgan Berg

Before senior Eric Doar could take the stage at the Abbey Pub last month with his band, Bullfights on Acid, he first had to play in a hockey game against Stevenson, change out of his hockey gear, drive to downtown Chicago, complete a soundcheck and carry out his drumming ritual before his performance.

Along with the Abbey Pub, Doar has played at Lollapalooza, the House of Blues, the Metro and numerous other venues with his previous band, Northbrook Garage, and his current band, Bullfights on Acid. Doar is also a percussionist for concert and jazz bands at Glenbrook North.

Eric’s mother, Tracy Doar, said Eric’s commitment to all these activities is a major cause of conflict. However, she said Eric receives support from all his peers and “juggles these [conflicts] very well.”

Senior Alex Crane, who is also a member of the hockey team, said he has known Doar for more than nine years.

“Eric will miss an occasional practice or two, but I think he knows how much we depend on him to be there,” said Crane. “Everyone [has] a role.”

Doar said that to organize all his commitments, he coordinates his life on a calendar. By doing that, he is able to notify all his coaches, bandmates and teachers “at least two or three weeks beforehand” when he will have a scheduling conflict.

According to GBN band director Richard Chapman, Doar is responsible when it comes to telling Chapman when he will be unavailable, which is important because he is the only percussionist in Jazz Ensemble.

Doar said concert and jazz bands usually do not interfere with other activities because practices are usually held weekday mornings. However, he said playing hockey and being a member of Bullfights on Acid can create a hectic schedule.

“Just last weekend, I had to take a 9:30 a.m. train to [Chicago with Bullfights on Acid] for an audition for a competition,” said Doar. “Right at 1:30 p.m., I had to take the train to get back [to Northbrook] for a 3 p.m. hockey practice.”

Doar said days like that are not unusual and his everyday life can be extremely busy.

Andrew Christopoulos, a keyboardist and singer in Bullfights on Acid, said Doar had a large role in helping the band find its original sound. He said he was surprised at Doar’s passion for music.

According to Doar, music and hockey can sometimes overlap in his mind.

“[Hockey]…and music are obviously two things that I love and feel passionate about,” said Doar. “The energy I use in hockey transfers over when [I play] music, and in hockey I find it very helpful to play to good songs in my head.”

Doar said the best lesson he has learned from his commitments is the importance of self-discipline.

“You want to [be able to] do everything that [you] can, especially [what] you love,” said Doar. “But you have be self-disciplined in order to become better, [that is] what makes it worth it.”