Arkells convince prof to reschedule exam so Hamilton student can attend show

To Arkells fans, there's no mystery why a woman named Savannah" would receive a special favour from the Hamilton band.

But we're getting ahead of the story.

A few days ago, Brock University student Savannah Tarantella's heart sank when she saw her exam schedule: Mineralogy II, April 22 from 7-10 p.m.

It was the same night she had Arkells tickets for a concert in Kitchener. The band starts a tour of the U.S. and Canada in Buffalo on March 18.

On advice from her teaching assistant, the 20-year old began writing an email to her professor, Dr. Mariek Schmidt, asking to reschedule the date she would write.

But would Schmidt go for it? A concert?

My buddy said why not DM the Arkells?" Tarantella told The Spectator. And I thought why not? I'm from Hamilton and to me they are a local band. It might be cool to reach out and see what they can do."

So she reached out.

Dear Mariek Schmidt," began the subsequent message written by band frontman Max Kerman. In the grand scheme of things a single exam will come and go, but the memories and joy that a great concert can bring might last a lifetime."

Kerman added that while he realized the prof can't make this exception every time, we're hoping you allow Sav to write her exam on another day, so she can join us at the show. This act of generosity will not set a precedent, it will only prove what a kind hearted, flexible person you are. Thanks for listening, hope we can make this work."

The professor later emailed Tarantella.

Hi Savannah, yes we can reschedule your exam," wrote Schmidt. Having the lead singer write a message is a nice touch. Have a great time."

Schmidt told the Spec that she appreciated her student not waiting to the last minute to make the request, as others might.

And Max did make some very good points," she added. I remember what a big deal going to live shows was when I was a student."

Schmidt quipped that if Tarantella got tickets for her, we could reschedule the exam for the whole class."

(The prof was kidding: she likes all music but does not count herself an Arkells devotee.)

The band posted the exam email exchange on its Instagram page, triggering pleas from other fans to get exams rescheduled and time off work to attend a concert.

As for why Kerman lobbied on Tarantella's behalf, he told The Spec they want to encourage the return to real-life activities. This includes missing exams and other things that can wait, in favour of singing with your pals at our shows."

There may have been other forces at play, if subliminally. Several comments noted the band's catalogue includes a song titled Savannah."

It goes: Savannah, tell me what you had in mind/I know I let you down a million times, I let you down a million times."

Tarantella laughed at the observation.

I'd be biased if I said it was my favourite song," she said. Someone also said now the band knows the song they have to play at the Kitchener show."

Jon Wells is a feature writer at The Spectator. jwells@thespec.com