This year, many campus bands have surfaced — or resurfaced — but one of the newest and brightest bands coming into fruition is an R&B band called Higher Ground. The band, who performed recently at Mane Stage Madness and at The Contented Cow’s “Cowchella” event, is composed of lead singer and songwriter Jerome Covington ’25, drummer Will Christensen ’26 bass guitarist Will Selkey ’25, saxophonist Bobby Bellairs ’25, pianist Peter Wilson ’25, and guitarist Julia Kauth ’26.
Higher Ground began practicing in January. When Bellairs and Covington talked about wanting to start an R&B band, Bellairs knew exactly who to call. After finding the right crew, all the band had to do was create a killer setlist. The band’s chemistry and similar music taste immediately clicked, leading them to pull crowd favorites like “Can I Call You Rose,” by Thee Sacred Souls and “Records,” by Corinne Bailey Rae. In addition to these covers, the band also does originals, including “Mr. Bellime” and “Saturday Sulking,” written by Covington.
When shared with the band, songs like “Mr. Bellime” became so much more to Covington.
“That song only really came to life when the band started playing it,” he said. “Before that, it was just something I had composed in my head and didn’t know how to get out.”
Having a band full of jazz musicians who have been playing for years made it easier for the creative process to unfold. Covington can bring in the lyrics he writes, and the rest can just fall into place. This means that even though the band has only been practicing together for a few months, they have the appearance and sound of a well-versed music machine.
The St. Olaf audience can see this. When Higher Ground had their first gig at The Contented Cow, the whole bar was full. Their sound was not only a nice twist on the music St. Olaf is used to, but a gorgeous, melodious dream that allowed spectators to really immerse themselves in the music. I was grateful to catch one of their gigs, and I can say that I left feeling as if I saw something magical.
But the future of this magic is currently uncertain. With most of the band graduating this year, it leaves Christensen and Kauth to pick up the pieces. Will Higher Ground stay — and be revamped with new artists — or is this just a moment in time that St. Olaf has been blessed to witness? We don’t know yet, but as someone who loves the band, I hope a reunion or just continuation happens.
On advice for Oles who want to start a band, Covington emphasized the importance of securing a gig to make the band come to life.
“Plan that gig. Practicing is great, but when you make a band, make that gig. It will pivot you to truly become a band,” he said.
If this year has shown us anything, it’s that St. Olaf loves a good student band, so don’t hesitate to start one!
Higher Ground can be found on Instagram @highergroundd_. Posters can be found around campus announcing upcoming band performances as well. The band will perform on May 9 at The Shop 1500.
