Most of Wakefield Principal Aaron Mello’s days are filled with children laughing, teachers instructing and school bells ringing. But outside of the school yard, he can be seen jamming with his rock ‘n roll band called LIVIN’.

“Our band is called LIVIN’ because we want to keep on living and enjoying life,” Mello said. “When we play that’s what we want to provide our audience — a good time.”

Mello plays the guitar in his band and is the main vocalist. LIVIN’ plays mostly cover songs from Elvis Presley to John Mayer.

Mello’s band mates include: Darrel Reno, drums and vocals; Turlock Junior High teacher Craig Deal, bass; Eric Mello, guitar; and Rick Moen, guitar. The group meets about twice a month for practice. They also play in about 10 gigs a year. Their next performance will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Red Brick Café.

Mello’s passion for music has always been a huge part of his life, but he really started gaining interest in the rock  n’ roll world when he was about 19 years old. His college roommates played instruments, which spurred Mello to pick up the guitar.

“I love music,” he said. “Most people love music. It lifts people up and makes them feel good and lets them feel whatever emotion they are feeling at the time. I play so other people have a good time through our music.”

Even though his passion for music remains strong, education has always been his calling.

“I love education,” Mello said. “(Music) is just kind of something we do as a stress reliever and to have fun.”

The fun part about his band is not that they might be the next KISS or Journey but that they bring joy to others’ lives and have a good time playing.

“We have a fun group of people that come out,” he said.

The crowd that forms as LIVIN’ takes the stage is what makes Mello’s outlet outside of work so much fun, he said. The band plays whatever the crowd wants to hear and makes sure everyone has a good time. 

“We love playing music for people to give them a good night out that they will remember,” Mello said.

Mello finds music a way to escape the stresses of life and develop a healthy hobby.

“Work and life can stress you out,” he said. “I love what I do but you do need an outlet. Everybody needs those hobbies outside of their profession as an outlet. Music is my outlet.”

With Mello’s musical talent, he surprisingly hasn’t considered being a full-time rock star but he will continue to make his band a priority in his life. His love for education is too strong to give it up for a potential career in the music business. So for now, music will just be a hobby in his life.

The perfect combination of his career in education and his nights of rockin’ and rolling enable him to be LIVIN’ the life that he loves.

“I love life,” Mello said. “I love what I do.”