The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 26, 2006 - 29 Musicans warn students off drugs and booze Continued from page 26 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AWNINGS, CANOPIES, PORTABLE SHADE STRUCTURES talent," had some other words of advice for students, too. "In music, you're going to take a lot of praise ­ usually from your grandparents," he said, smiling. "Beyond that, you've got to take a lot of criticism. "It's a great vocation if you can put up with a lot of insecurity, but at the end of the day it's worth it, because you'll be doing something you really love." One message both John and Fila stressed to students was to stay away from drugs and alcohol. In fact, that's what drew Fila out of the music business and led him to pursue it as a teaching vocation. "I got sick and tired of people abusing themselves," said the Central High School teacher, who added he lost a few friends to drug and alcohol abuse over the course of his decade-long rock career. After Fila had a chance to play the drums for Metallica, the band he idolized as a kid, he decided to end his career as a rock star. "Never ever give up. Whatever you want to be -- a musician, a doctor, a lawyer, a plumber -- whatever. Never give up. Make your dreams your goals." Drummer and teacher Dan Fila "At that point I thought, `What else can I do? I've played with the biggest metal band ever," he said. "I wanted to get into teaching to share my experiences." After a question and answer period, Fila played the drums for students and gave a couple volunteers a one-on-one lesson. That was the best part of expert day for Jonathan Zdero, who plays the drums in a band with friends at school. "He's experienced and he knows so much about the history of music and drums," said the 13-year-old, who learned part of a Led Zeplin song from Fila. "That was really cool." Fila kicked off his presentation by explaining "what it takes to make it" in the music business, highlighting talent, knowledge, attitude and persistence as keys to success. "Never ever give up," he said. "Whatever you want to be ­ a musician, a doctor, a lawyer, a plumber ­ whatever. Never give up. Make your dreams your goals." The self-professed "not very popular" kid in high school said instead of partying while he was growing up, he practiced his drums. After attending college and University, Fila got his big break with Varga, signing a deal with BMG music. They sold more than 1/4 of a million albums and toured all over the world. Now, he plays with a metal band named Hypodust. "My aspirations now aren't to be the rock star guy, because I was. I wanted to pass on what I've learned," he told students. "Dreams come true. I'm living, breathing proof. I did it, I'm here right now ­ and you can do it too. You just have to believe." Still tickets for cabaret benefit The Rotary Club of Oakville North is presenting a one night only cabaret on May 27. The evening of music, dance and comedy is in support of the Distress Centre of Oakville and the Sheridan Theatre Program. Sheridan's Theatre Performance students will provide the entertainment, along with a special guest performance by Denise Oucharek, who starred in Mama Mia. Five-time Juno Award nominee Kelita Haverland will emcee the evening and will sing and perform some of her comedy sketches. The Cabaret is Saturday, May 27 at Sheridan College Theatre, 1430 Trafalgar Rd. Doors open at 7:15 p.m., the show starts at 8 p.m. For tickets, $35 (a $25 tax receipt is available), call the Theatre Sheridan box office, 905-815-4049. Enjoy the outdoors relaxing under a Sunguard awning manufactured with your choice of fade proof Sunbrella fabric, and powered by a reliable Somfy remote controlled motor. Call or visit our showroom at: 4090 Ridgeway Dr. #10, Mississauga 905-569-8566 www.sunguardawnings.com Mon.-Fri. 9:30am to 5pm, Sat 9:30am to 3pm Community Open House Community Open House Community Open Hous In Honour of Halton Regional Police Chief Community Open House Ean Algar's Retirement Community Open House Community Open House Op Community EVERYONE IS INVITED! Friday, June 2, 2006 2:00 p.m.-- 5:00 p.m. Location: Cafeteria Region of Halton Building 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville North of the QEW Informal presentations 3:00 p.m.-- 4:00 p.m. To make a presentation, please contact Bonnie Shulman at bonnie.shulman@hrps.on.ca (905) 825-4777 Ext. 5085 Drop in and wish Chief Algar all the best on his 38 years of dedicated service.