Strolling down the PLTW wing of school, people encounter many fun and exciting things. Soccer balls kicked at their feet, teachers hiding around the corner to scare them and they may often hear science teacher Joe Brocksmith singing loudly for his audience of passers by. They might think to themselves, “Wow! He should really join a band.” However, a little known fact about Brocksmith is that he used to play in a rock band.

“They were simply amazing,” FHN alumnus, Kyle Irwin said. “I wish they were still together.”

Although he wasn’t the lead singer, Brocksmith played guitar in a 90s alternative rock cover band called That’s What She Said which he formed in 2010 and lasted for about two years.

“We would make all kinds of corny jokes during band practice saying ‘that’s what she said,’ and then having a female singer we thought that would be an amazing name for the band,” Brocksmith said.

Brocksmith has been involved with music since a young age when a friend of his started learning to play guitar at 11 years old, and Brocksmith decided he wanted to learn as well. The two continued with their interest in music, playing the saxophone in their middle school and high school band. As they got older, his friend learned to play the drums. Over time, their jam sessions turned into band practice. They then welcomed a bassist and singer into the crew.

“Brocksmith’s great guitar skills combined with his goofball personality made it a very amazing show,” Irwin said.

After about three months of practice, the band learned about 45 songs which was enough for three sets. They then began booking gigs and performing in taverns or bars, including Brew House in Maryland Heights where Irwin attended.

“Sometimes we wouldn’t get home until 3 a.m. after taking everything down,” Brocksmith said. “It made for some very late nights, but it was fun.  The energy of the crowd and seeing people really getting into it and singing along with us and dancing was fun.”

Eventually, though, their glory days came to an end. Due to time restraints and personal conflicts, That’s What She Said ended in 2012.

“It was a lot of work and a lot of effort, but it something to check off of my bucket list and something cool to do,” Brocksmith said.