My school appears to be devoid of musical talent. My friends are hard pressed to play the radio. Anyone got any ideas on how I start a band? Or find one to join?

Have you tried putting up a notice or something in your school's bulletin board or newsletter? There may be some great musicians in your school who have just been waiting for somebody to express interest in forming a band - you never know. :)

even putting a notice up at your local music shop, just asking for people to jam with and form a band that are of x or y skill level etc. If there's one place you'll find a lot of musicians its at a music shop. And also, often you find a guy who might play guitar but know another guys sister who knows a guy who plays the drums. or somn like that.

It's pretty tough to go out and look for a band while being in High School... For me it was easy because I moved away to go to college and instantly found a ton of people to play with. If your school is a small school like my HS was... you're kind of out of luck. But stay with it... in the meantime try working on your solo act... so when you do find a couple people to play with you can expand your solo act pretty easily and incorporate their ideas. Check out the local musci shops like everyone has said.

i was relli lucky, there were heaps of ppl my age at high school that play rock instruments, not many vocalists but hey, but i guess in perth australia there's not much else to do except go to the beach, and play guitar.

Do you have a car? If so why not ask around, maybe somebody in a nearby town is trying to start a band and you can check them out.