From playing the marimba, glockenspiel, drums and bass guitar to singing, Wayland High School’s Library Director Erin Dalbec has done her fair share of dabbling in music.

Dalbec first played in her high school winter percussion ensemble in 1989, trying out the marimba and the glockenspiel. Then she discovered composers Leonard Bernstein and Gustav Holst. The music that really inspired Dalbec was Sonic Youth, The B-52’s, Teenage Fanclub and Sebadoh.

“When I was in high school, I had a close knit group of friends, and we shared our love of listening and making music,” said Dalbec. “This was before the days of the Internet, so we learned about music from listening to college radio and trading mix tapes.”

Dalbec’s group of friends decided that they wanted to form a band, and Dalbec jumped at the chance to be the drummer.

“We did not play very well, but we had a good time practicing,” said Dalbec.

After going through many band names, the group settled on The Dainty Nogas. They wrote several original songs, learned Pixies covers and played at their high school’s talent show and at several parties.

Now, Dalbec is in a band called The Beatings. The band has been together for over ten years, with minor lineup changes. Dalbec not only plays the bass guitar but also sings.

“Our sound changes a little on every album, but in general I would call our music melodic, dischordant, sometimes poppy and sometimes noisy; it’s a little bit of this and that.”

In addition to performing with The Beatings, Dalbec is currently working on material with some friends for a potential dance music band.

“The fun part about being in a band is touring the country with friends, meeting new people and performing,” said Dalbec.