Wyatt Jonas, 10, and his family created a band called The Wayward Mountaineers. The Wayward Mountaineers have a strong family bond and music has only brought them even closer. Every time they are together whether its performing, practicing or recording, they are creating memories through music.
The Wayward Mountaineers began in 2020 during the Covid Lockdown. While being in lockdown with nowhere to go, the Jonas family connected deeper through music. Throughout the five years they have played together, they have sung original songs and covers of other songs. Jill Jonas released her first album in 2024 called “Through the Countryside” which features the members of the Wayward Mountaineers.
Mary White, Orchestra teacher, has helped Jones grow as a musician and has fully supported the Wayward Mountaineers.
“My student Wyatt Jonas is their bass player, and this last spring they were getting ready to launch an album and Wyatt asked me if I would come to their launch concert. I knew that they played, but I didn’t know the extent to what they did. So I went to their album launch concert party this summer and heard them for the first time and I was totally blown away,” White said.
The Wayward Mountaineers are rich with talent. They play the bass, mandolin, and the guitar. The bass produces low-pitched sounds, usually in the range of C2–C4. Navigating the “neck” of the bass is what causes different tones and pitches. The mandolin makes higher pitched sounds played in the range of G3–D4–A4–E5. A mandolin tends to be described as a spunkier version of the guitar. A guitar is very unique because it can be played in many different pitches/tones all depending on the tension and vibration of the strings.
“I play the bass. My mom plays the guitar and my dad plays the Mandolin,” Jonas said.
The Wayward Mountaineers have performed many concerts. They have done a launch album concert, fundraising concert for the EHS orchestra, and many other concerts. At these concerts they play their own original songs and also do some cover songs. Their concerts are relaxed and calm but still very fun.
“They did a fundraising concert for us to help us meet fundraising needs this year. It was very well attended and everyone who came loved their performance. So if you get a chance to hear them, I highly recommend it.” White said.
The Wayward Mountaineers play a mix of folk, bluegrass, and americana. This is described as blues, jazz, gospel. All very country styled music. Their music/concerts are family friendly as well which makes the wayward mountaineers a great band for everyone.
Gary Baumstark, Language Arts teacher, has heard their music and had nothing but positive feedback.
“The musicianship is amazing, they have great original songs and they do some really nice covers and their harmonies are great, and just overall, a warm and friendly vibe,” Baumstark said.
