A kid watching MTV sees a video of a band he likes, and it hits him that he is destined be a rock star – to be in a band and party all day long and every day. He gets his parents to buy him a guitar, and he’s sure, within a matter of days (two weeks, at most) that he will be the biggest thing to ever happen in the history of music.

Or at least that’s how I thought it would happen.

As the guitarist for dead by Wednesday, I was sure success was right around the corner when I formed the band last fall. I could see it so clearly, walking on campus – beautiful girls screaming my name, teachers letting my assignments slide, and instant popularity, all because I was in a band. It’s really too bad it doesn’t work that way.

Ames has been home to some pretty big bands the past few years such as Mr. Plow and Grubby Ernie. And bands like 38th Parallel, Pookey Bleum or possibly even your band stand poised to take control of the void of those recently departed bands. But there are a few things that every band should know regardless of whether you want to play cover songs for a few friends who have nothing better to do or plan on taking over the world.

First, you need to assemble the band. Make sure to find bandmates who all share the same level of dedication and similar musical interests, or at least interests which fit well together, says 38th Parallel vocalist Mark Jennings. He says that their primary influence is all heavy rock, but each member has their own unique preference such as rap and R&B that adds to the overall sound of 38th Parallel.

Now that you have the members, next on the agenda is finding a place to practice. This can be difficult. In the formative years of Pookey Bleum, the band had several different places to play. They began playing at singer/guitarist Aaron Hefley’s house, practiced in bassist Melissa Sorbo’s living room when her mom was gone and also played in drummer Jeremy Johnson’s church, Johnson says.

If you live in the dorms, this can be even tougher. There isn’t a whole lot of room to fit a band in a dorm room, and people studying in the den don’t really take kindly to a band either, which I found out last year. Both 38th Parallel and Pookey Bleum have duplexes where they practice in the basement, but if you can’t afford a house of your own, try and rent the basement from someone who doesn’t mind a little noise every now and then.

Learning songs – one of the most crucial things about being in a band. Almost every band starts off learning cover songs, and it’s almost the only way that you will get anyone to listen to you starting out, because let’s face it, the first song you write isn’t exactly going to be the next “Stairway to Heaven.” But after a while, your band will be ready to begin writing its own material and express that burning creative desire deep within the members’ souls.

“You have to know your limitations,” says Pookey Bleum singer/guitarist Aaron Hefley. “You can do what you put your mind to, but also be realistic at the same time.” While it’s good to dream, if you realize that you aren’t the next Billy Corgan, you will be one step ahead of me, and the music you write will be your own unique voice, and not trying to be someone else.

Next, your band needs a name that will make you instantly recognizable to the masses, and that is consistent with how serious you are about your band. Before settling on 38th Parallel, the band kicked around names such as Straw Hat Matt and the Barnyard Dance, and The Visions of Wooshka, Jennings says. Good choice guys.

Now that everything is in place, you are ready for your first show. Once again, this can prove difficult. Most venues require a recording of some sort before they consider anyone, so unless you have the cash to fork out for recording, the way to get shows is to make friends with other bands and the people in charge of booking at the local clubs. 38th Parallel had early supporters in Mr. Plow and 35″ Mudder, and helped them with shows until the band was ready to take the stage on its own, says drummer Aaron Nordyke.

“Going to shows and hanging out and making friends with other bands is the best way to get shows,” Pat Fleming, guitarist for Pookey Bleum, says. No one is going to be very receptive to your band if you act like a jerk, so be nice to everyone, all the time.

“If I could give one piece of advice to anyone starting a band, it is to be humble,” Jennings says. “But most of all, have fun, and don’t forget why you are doing it.”

Success, fame, and the adoration of supermodels are sure to be right around the corner.