By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer
With the stress of everyday life at NCSSM, it can be difficult to develop passions with your friends, much less start a whole band. But not for this group! Here’s the “scoop” about Big Spoon!
Big Spoon is NCSSM’s very own student-led band, playing the songs of their choice at a variety of school and community events. Big Spoon was founded in 2023 by Grand-Senior James Dudek ‘24,. who wanted to create something where students could come together to make music and build bonds. Along the way, he found some friends that shared his passion, and they started the band as we know it.
The History
The name was not always Big Spoon–the group thought of many possible names, including “Dubious Boobius” and “The After-Hours,” a reference to their late practice times. The final name came from one of the original members’ roles in the spring musical Beauty and The Beast, and from then on they were “Big Spoon.” They have since performed at every Koffehaus–the school’s monthly outdoor talent show–and created Unipalooza, NCSSM’s own spin on Lollapalooza, a mini concert full of music and friends.
Even though all of the original members of Big Spoon have graduated, Big Spoon is still at large! This year will be the third generation of Big Spoon, aptly named Big Spoon the 3rd. For long-time and incoming Little Spoons (the nickname for their fans), here’s what they’re stirring up!
Meet This Year’s Spooners
Shirley Tian ‘25: Hey!! I’m Shirley–classical pianist, indie-rock guitarist, and guitarist for Big Spoon the Third. My top artists right now are flipturn, Radiohead, and Fiona Apple.
Isaac Bosman ‘25: Hey I’m Isaac and I play lead guitar for Big Spoon. My top three bands are My Chemical Romance, Mayday Parade, and Blink-182.
Kahaan Khatri ‘25: Hello I’m Kahaan, I love playing piano, I have plans to learn guitar, and my favorite artist right now is Crying City!
Hazel Cochran ‘26: Hi! My name is Hazel and I’m so excited to be joining Big Spoon as lead vocals. I also play guitar, bass and piano, so you might get to see me on those too. My top three artists would definitely have to be le tigre, Mitski, and Ludwig Goransson. I can’t wait to get onstage and play music with the band, and I hope to see all of you there!
Anna Tringale ‘25: Hi! My name is Anna Tringale, I’m from Mooresville (originally from Detroit) and I’m the biggest, baddest bassist for Big Spoon this year! My three favorite artists are System of a Down, Stromae, and PSY!
Jiya Zaveri ‘26: Heyy, I’m Jiya and I’m from Greensboro (shoutout northwest!) and I’m on drumset for Big Spoon this year. Some of my favorite artists are The Neighborhood, Ethel Cain, Maneskin and Arctic Monkeys, and I’m so pumped to play for you!
Big Spoon The 3rd
This generation of Spooners plan to be just as active as the Spooners before them. To get the inside scoop, I interviewed lead member Shirley Tian and lead guitarist Isaac Bosman ‘, slightly adjusted for clarity:
What is your personal history with Big Spoon?
Tian: I started playing guitar about a year and a half ago, and I really enjoy it. I remember going up to the Physics department and playing their little pink guitar. I was already close with some of them (the members), and Linda [Xue ‘24] finally got me into it. They asked me to play “Bags” with them on the piano.
Bosman: I’ve always been into music with orchestra and guitar. James asked me to sing at the last Koffeehaus, which I said no to, but I did end up playing guitar. After that, I just started jamming with them.
What is your fondest memory with Big Spoon?
Tian: My fondest memory is goofing off with the band during practice. We’re all there to have fun, and it’s nice to just have fun.
Bosman: My favorite memory was Malcolm [Louigarde ‘25] screaming his heart out to “Butterfly Wings” at Unipalooza.
To you, what is Big Spoon all about?
Bosman: Big Spoon is all about the people and the music. We just get to make music with cool, talented people.
What advice do you have to anyone who wants to get involved with Big Spoon?
Tian: Reach out! We love it when people come jam with us. You can message us @bigspoonband on Instagram or reach out to me or Isaac @shirleybirleyy and @isaac.bosman.
Big Spoon plans to play at every Koffeehaus this year, and around May 3rd they will be hosting another Unipalooza! Come see them–there’s something for everybody!