Most people assume that young girls, when not in school, spend their free time on social functions, screen time, creative pursuits and physical activities. They also enjoy hanging out with friends and family, and engage in video calls and social media.
Five local girls, ages 8 to 13, are doing something that many might not consider the norm: they’re members of a rock band called UltraViolet 5 – or UV5 – and they’re becoming quite popular.
According to Caroline Ogden, mother of Brooke, the group’s 12-year-old drummer, the band has been together since October of 2023. The other members include Avalyn (8) singer; Kelsey (11) keyboard; Ariana (12) lead guitar and Kate (Kat, 13), bass.
Ariana and Avalyn are sisters and all the girls hail from the Fenton and Hartland areas.
When the girls first formed their group, their instructor at A Joyful Noise Music Studio in Fenton gave them some options for a name and UltraViolet was ultimately chosen, Ogden shared. “It turns out, UltraViolet is a pretty popular band name,” she said. “So, the ‘5’ was added recently as a way to set them apart. Now they are known as UltraViolet5 or UV5.”
Ariana, lead guitar
Ogden said the girls plan to collaborate on writing their own songs in the future, but for now, they perform covers. “The fun part is that it’s never what people expect,” she added. “When the audience sees a group of young girls on stage, they often assume pop music – until they launch into ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy Osbourne, ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ by Guns N’ Roses or a crowd favorite that makes the grandparents smile, ‘Kashmir’ by Led Zeppelin.” They also perform songs by Journey, The Beatles, Adele and others. The band has set a goal to learn a new song each month, and currently, their setlist includes over an hour of music.
Avalyn, singer
The girls heard about Open Mic Night at Schmelter Stoney Acres in Linden, where every Thursday evening in the summer, anyone can head out to the barn and sign up to play three songs. “They decided to give it a try and instantly fell in love with the atmosphere. The crowd is incredibly supportive of local musicians and having that kind of community so close to home has been a true gift,” Ogden said.
Brooke, drummer
Videos of their performances there gained traction online, and soon they were offered their first paid gig: performing at a family Halloween event hosted by Keego Harbor Parks and Recreation. Since then, UV5 has had the honor of being the host band at the 19th Hole at Tyrone Hills Golf Course twice during the winter season. They’ve also played at Fenton’s Beale Street BBQ, The Corner Bar & Grill, Uncle Ray’s Dairyland and several more times at Schmelter Stoney Acres, including most recently, as this season’s first host band.
“You might assume that, since they’re kids, their main audience would be other children,” Ogden said. “However, their talent and choice of classic rock songs have earned them a following that spans all ages.”
The girls came together when they were each taking individual lessons at A Joyful Noise Music Studio in Fenton and their instructors selected them as candidates to join a newly created studio F.I.R.E. (Fenton Intermediate Rock Ensemble) band.
“The experiences they’re gaining at such a young age are sure to have a lasting, positive impact, whether they continue in the music industry or pursue a different path.”
Caroline Ogden
With the help of their very involved parents and families, the girls manage to handle school as well as extra activities.
Now that school is out for the summer, Ogden said, “Juggling other activities, sports and family events can be challenging, but each band member, and their families, are committed to putting in the time necessary to make UV5 a success.
Kate, bass
“Our families have become really close,” she added. “All of us moms manage the emails, schedules and merch and the dads are the roadies and extra instructors. All the dads play instruments, so they do all the set-up and sound when required.”
Kelsey, keyboard
Throughout the year, the girls meet one evening a week for a one-hour rehearsal with Nick Baker at A Joyful Noise Music Studio, Ogden explained. “In addition to these group sessions, each of them takes private lessons to focus on their individual instruments or voice training. When a big show is approaching, they make practicing a priority, often gathering at Brooke’s house for extended weekend jam sessions to fine-tune their performance.”
What does the future hold for the girls and UV5?
“At just 8 to 13 years old, it’s hard to predict what the future holds – but one thing is certain, these girls have a deep love for music and performing,” Ogden said. “Many are learning multiple instruments and are excited about writing original songs together. They hope music will always be a part of their lives and for some, a future career in music is already on their minds.
“The experiences they’re gaining at such a young age are sure to have a lasting, positive impact, whether they continue in the music industry or pursue a different path. It takes a great deal of discipline, which they’re already developing through their commitment to the band. The life lessons they’re learning and the confidence they’re building through performing will benefit them for years to come.”
Catch UV5 Live!
The girls have been invited by the Flint Institute of Music to perform as part of the Flint Summer Stars showcase at XOLO in Flint on July 17 at 6PM. UV5 has also been booked to play at the River Roast in downtown Linden on July 19 from 2-3PM.
“The most exciting news is that the band has been selected from several dozen groups to perform at this year’s BarnFest, a three-day festival held at Schmelter Stoney Acres that supports local charities and food banks,” Ogden said. UV5 will be the only youth band in the lineup and is scheduled to perform on September 5 at 5:50PM.
Ogden added that Phil Schmelter has truly been a gift to the girls, offering an incredible space filled with support and encouragement to help them grow.
Rick Ruiz, who has also been very supportive, has invited UV5 to be the first host band of the season at the19th Hole at Tyrone Hills Golf Course in November. In addition to public shows, UV5 is booked for several private events throughout the summer.
For More Information:
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