THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 1, 1994 TAG: 9407010070
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E13 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GROOVY SAPIEN
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 99 lines
WHEN BOBBY RANGEL'S parents hear loud banging noises coming from the family garage, they don't worry about him.
They know he is only getting his feelings out.
Bobby, 17, a rising senior at Tallwood High School, uses his drums to express his emotions about everything from unity to politics. He taught himself how to play over two years ago on his brother's set.
Two months ago, Bobby joined the local hardcore band Words A Game. The band is part of an underground circuit that plays at all-ages ``house shows'' in the area. These concerts, held in homes, usually cost $2 admission to cover gas money for bands. Although anyone can come and play, the concerts are only advertised through fliers and word of mouth.
Some of the band's songs include ``In the Trail of the Wind,'' which Bobby calls a tune ``about the genocide of Native Americans,'' and ``State of Arrest,'' which he interprets as the U.S. government's indifference to American citizens.
In his free time, Bobby enjoys snowboarding, philosophizing and ``art of all types,'' especially those spontaneous performances at the Oceanfront when he and his two best friends pick a spot at the beach and act on the spur of the moment.
Full name: Robert Lee Rangel (Bobby)
Birth date: January 3, 1977
Birthplace: Del Rio, Texas
Occupation: Artist, musician, performer, philosopher
Siblings: Adam, 20 and Marie, 23
Education: Rising senior at Tallwood High
What is your idea of a perfect day off: Traveling to a new place, anywhere. Then swimming in the ocean, sea, lake, river. Then running around getting sweaty and making all my muscles sore. Then doing art, playing music and performing with my friends. Then hanging out with a girl until the sun sets, going home, taking a shower and going to sleep until my day off is over.
Last smart thing you did: Everything was or is meant to be, so maybe it wasn't so smart, just meant to be.
Last dumb thing you did: Everything was or is meant to be, so maybe it wasn't so dumb, just meant to be.
Favorite meal: Vegetarian chicken patties with mayo, lettuce and hot sauce
Favorite movies: Any movie with Christian Slater, Marisa Tomei or movies about nuclear war. I like ``Untamed Heart,'' ``Heathers,'' ``Pump Up the Volume,'' ``Underest'' and ``Bad Juice.''
Favorite song: ``All Her Favorite Fruit,'' by Camper Van Beethoven; ``Savory,'' by Jawbox; ``Daylight Savings Time'' by Godspeed
Favorite singer/band: Jawbox, Godspeed, Split Lip
Last book read: ``Alas! Babylon''
Hobbies: Drumming, art (of all sorts), crying, making myself and others laugh, performance, skateboarding and snowboarding
Best date you've been on: Prom night with Michelle
Worst date you've been on: Never had a really bad date
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: My very stubborn and greedy attitude
If you could change one thing about your parents, what would it be?: Absolutely not one thing. Well, maybe make them a little more open-minded.
Secret vice: Playing the drums
Favorite restaurant: Cheapest - Tacinos Bellinos, a.k.a. Taco Bell; favorite tastin' - Olive Garden
Favorite place to shop: My brother's and father's closets and dressers, also dollar stores, thrift stores, Marshalls, cheap places
Your favorite night out on the town: I've never been out on the town.
Favorite TV shows: ``Kids in the Hall,'' ``The State,'' ``Benny Hill,'' ``Saturday Night Live''
Last vacation: Spring break - Vermont
Pets: Big white fluff ball of a cat named ``Prince.'' I've got a couple of imaginary pets but I'm not going to elaborate.
Best job: Being Bobby
Worst job: Not being Bobby
What achievements are you most proud of?: Overcoming drugs, racism, stereotypes (almost), useless criticism and finding myself
What would you like to be in 10 years?: A child, musician, artist, architect and performer
If you could change one thing in America, what would it be and why?: I would try to change the American Dream. When you think about the American Dream, you think about money, which leads to greed and not caring about your neighbor.
People lose compassion when they seek this American Dream. It's like a chore or a job. If the government wouldn't have supported greed, scandals and power, we wouldn't be so confused as to what our purpose is. We wouldn't be so worried about money and so eager to get ahead. There would be a lot more love and compassion.
Heroes and role models: My friends, parents, brother and teachers Leanne Self and Fara Wiles
Your most unique trait: Ear lobes
Best subject: English
Worst subject: English ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Bobby Rangel is a rising senior at Tallwood High School, who enjoys
art and music.
by CNB