Reaching ever higher: Rooftop Manor

Rooftop Manor has played multiple shows and charity events on Long Island, as well as New York City’s Webster Hall and The Bitter End. They competed in a nationwide battle of the bands in 2010 and made it to the semifinals.

That’s quite a musical resumé for a group of young men who have not yet graduated high school. So, who is this young power group?

Rooftop Manor consists of Bellmore native Philip Gibson, a senior at Mepham High School and drummer for the band; Callan Fish, a sophomore from Glen Head on bass; lead vocalist Marcus Tamkin, a senior from Locust Valley who also plays guitar and keyboard; and Caleb Jenkinson, a senior from Port Washington on guitar, keyboard and back up vocals.

Rooftop Manor formed in 2009 after Phil, Marcus and Cal met at the School of Rock in Port Washington. They recruited Caleb and began writing and playing original indie and alternative music.

With a combination of traditional training and self-taught knowledge, these multitalented teenagers have built themselves an extensive musical repertoire. When asked about what they do in their free time, each member’s response includes, what else? Music.

With college looming only a year away for three members of the band, they are faced with some difficult decisions. One thing is certain: They all want to pursue music in one form or another. Whether studying the music industry or just continuing to perform whenever possible, it’s clear that the members of Rooftop Manor take their craft seriously, and intend to continue honing their skills.

Outside of the band, drummer Phil interns at The Rock Underground in Bellmore, and is working on building his own start-up clothing company. Guitarist Caleb is similarly occupied, writing his own music, both teaching and taking music lessons, singing in his church choir and interning at a music production company.

Despite their busy schedules, the boys are still active as a band. In addition to regular shows and battles of the bands, they have participated in a number of charity events. They have participated in fundraisers for Doctors Without Borders, JMSA Japan Relief Fund, The Community Chest of Port Washington, and Midnight Run for the Homeless, where they raised $1,000.

Rooftop Manor’s debut EP, “New Kind of Silence,” will be available shortly. Your next chance to see them live is an all-ages show at the SUNY Old Westbury Music Campus on Saturday, July 30. Visit them at www.rooftopmanor.com for more information on this show, and more on this motivated young band.

– I.M.

This article was printed in the July 27/28 Summer Fun issues of Entertaining Life, Merrick Life, Bellmore Life, The Citizen and The Leader's monthly entertainment section.