The MotHs Band: What Happens When We Show Up
Over the years, Mums of the Hills has organised initiatives that have raised eyebrows and at times, made people laugh out load. Two of these immediately spring to mind: The R.U.T.H. Run and the MOTHs Band. Even though they are poles apart in their focus and style they both share the same intention – taking on and achieving a challenge with others. Ahead of tonight’s big event, please excuse me while I reflect on this fantastic experience.
The band project started the same way the R.U.T.H. Run (and connected Runooshkas running group) once did, with a statement in the MotHs group … “I have an idea”… followed quickly by a simple question, in this case, “Who wants to start a band?”
That was it. No big plan, no idea what it would look like, just a spark of possibility. It’s exactly how the Runooshkas began when the R.U.T.H. Run became our collective challenge. Back then it was about running; this time it’s about creating, and like the Runooshkas, the band and choir have become their own kind of movement.
We’ve gathered mums who haven’t played an instrument since high school and others who have never stood behind a microphone. We’ve shared gear and found lost guitar picks, shuffled sick kids around so rehearsals could still happen, and laughed through more than a few mistakes. There have been moments when we questioned our decisions to step this far out of our comfort zones, but just like training for a hill run, the only way forward is to keep showing up.
The Parents Battle of the Bands is our creative hill to climb - our version of the RUTH Run. It’s the thing that is driving us and reminds us why this matters. As with all big hills, we’ve had people along the way who’ve carried us when it felt too hard. Monbulk Soccer Club opened their clubrooms when we had nowhere to practice. Belgrave Inspiro did too when we thought a few extra practices sessions seemed prudent. Neighbours and families have tolerated the noise and the chaos. Friends have cheered us on even when we sounded wobbly. I personally want to thank my neighbour’s teenage son for lending me the coolest purple (PURPLE) electric guitar and guitar effects pedal. We also want to thank the NFP organisers, Parents Battle of the Bands for allowing us this cameo spot before the show kicks off. Finally, thanks to the competing schools – we know the time you have dedicated to do this for your respective schools. You should all be bursting with pride. We sincerely hope that our plugs, pushing and promos have helped boost funds going your way.
Tonight, we open the Parents Battle of the Bands at the Sooki Lounge – not as competitors but as mums breaking the stereotypes while still raising funds for a great cause. It’s a perfect combination of doing something for ourselves, without forgetting our love and dedication to our kids, families and community. We don’t know how it will go, and maybe that’s not the point. What we do know is that we’ve built something that feels bigger than the music. Like the Runooshkas, this is about connection, showing up, and creating a space where mums can discover what’s possible when they step up the hill together.
We want to keep going. To see what’s on the other side of this challenge. And we’re so grateful for everyone who has walked, run, and now sung alongside us.
See you on stage.
