Middle schoolers continue run at rockstar fame

Stage fright in seventh grade? No chance.

Not for Final Four, a band of Faubion Middle School students that's taking "beyond their years" to a whole new level -- to the rock tune of gigs and groupies.

"We're awesome," said Alex Parisi, 13-year-old lead singer for the group that formed two years ago for a talent show at Walker Elementary School in McKinney.

Since their impromptu fifth-grade fling, Alex and the band -- drummer Christian Loth, lead guitarist Zach Bowsher and bass guitarist Payton Argabright -- have broadened their audience well outside school walls. Jam sessions in Christian's garage quickly became rehearsals.

With a set list that covers alternative and rock music from the 1970s and onward, Final Four might be the country's youngest, brightest cover band. They've played at local restaurants like Fuzzy's Taco Shop and Palio's, and wowed a packed crowd at last year's Krewe of Barkus parade in downtown McKinney.

As their name spreads and their confidence grows, one thing's for sure: they aren't shy.

"They like playing in front of people much more than practicing," said Kari Loth, the drummer's mother and band manager. "I think it's amazing that 13 year olds will do that."

Some may be fooled by their small stature and boyish swagger, but once Christian slams his sticks and the music commences, it's all business. Final Four rocks the moment.

"We don't want to be shy," Christian said. "If we're shy, we lose."

The band has played twice at Snowball Express, an event for kids who've lost their dads, with attendance often in the thousands. Two months ago, they interviewed in Austin for a spot on the popular TV show, "America's Got Talent," which nationally showcases skilled aberrations like middle-school rockers.

Kari books the gigs, her husband Mark teaches guitar chords and bass lines, and together, they open their home to weekly practices.

"I think it's a blast," Kari said. "They're really good."

Mothers have to say that, but she's not alone. Dozens filed in to Final Four's latest gig Wednesday night at Jack's Pub in McKinney, packing half the restaurant.

Parents, siblings and grandparents foot-tapped and clapped along to Jet's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl," Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" and Red Hot Chili Peppers' "California," just a few of Final Four's expanding set list.

And there were "groupies" -- elementary and middle-school girls screaming "Woo" between songs. Rock stars really do get the girls, though Kari assured that no band member had a beau.

The fellas are more focused on having fun and surprising doubters. Some of their Faubion classmates still don't even think they're that cool, Christian said.

"We don't care what they think," he said. "We just like playing in front of a crowd."

Their first original song is in the works, they're just waiting on Alex to write the lyrics. Classic rock -- Journey, Foreigner and The Eagles -- is his choice music.

They all vow to stay true to such class, and let their confident coolness sing for itself.

"You learn something new every single time you learn a song," Alex said, "a different chord, different note, something you never knew before."

As for a fifth member, a potential threat to their growing name? "There could be," Payton said.

But for now -- for however long they feel like rockin' -- they'll remain the Final Four. They are widely-viewed YouTube videos and national auditions beyond the Walker Elementary stage.

And they're still just getting started.

"We don't know what will happen," Christian said, "but we hope to stay together forever."

For more information on Final Four, visit the band's Facebook page at finalfourband.com.

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