All we remember from high school is terrible bathroom graffiti, finding it painfully difficult to negotiate the cafeteria, and all the sketchy things that went on behind the bleachers.

Turns out kids have it a whole lot better these days.

Creating opportunities for students far beyond the 30-second glockenspiel, recorder, or triangle solos that defined our teenage music classes, this May sees high schools in the city of Richmond open their doors for a stellar concert series.

Hovering somewhere between the classic movie School of Rock and a musical showcase, the initiative invites five schools to emcee an event, have a school band or group perform, and then take in a headline performance from local folk-rock-stompers Good For Grapes: winners of 2014’s prestigious Peak Performance Project.

“This is a great opportunity for students to enjoy some original Canadian music and celebrate our country’s long tradition of producing world-class musical artists,” Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie says. “It’s also an excellent learning opportunity as students are able to participate in the organization of the series visit to their schools and learn about event management and the music industry.”

The project has allowed establishments to look at all aspects of the entertainment business. Appointing individuals from their leadership classes as well as their music lessons, each school has let the events be steered by a committee of students, allowing the teenagers to appoint their peers to marketing, stage management, event management, and sponsorship roles.

Kicking off on May 10 at Hugh Boyd Secondary, the series will be continuing with lunchtime stops throughout the month at A.R. MacNeill Secondary, McRoberts Secondary, Steveston London Secondary and McNair Secondary.

The project is fully funded through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada 150 Fund, and runs in partnership with School District #38.

Richmond’s high school concert series runs at various locations from May 10 until the end of the month. 

Follow Kate Wilson on Twitter @KateWilsonSays