How many can distinctively conduct the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in ¾ time using the appropriate cut-offs and the upbeat introductions? How many can direct a band marching backward and keeping time to the parade style songs? These are only the tryouts, while in reality the job of field commander entitles much more.
Tuesday, May 26 at North Marion High School, the North Marion band members under the direction of Mr. Straight stayed after school in eager anticipation of the field commander tryouts. Eight upcoming seniors (Marshall Sherry, Sarah Wikle, Bailey Deese, Jessica Rogers, Brandon Parlett, Holly Harris and Christian Collins) and three upcoming juniors (Lacey Cyphers, Sarah Night and Reuben Bland) competed for the field commander and drum major positions.
The actual job of the field commander is to conduct the band through the field shows during football season and to lead the band through parades. Not only is the field commander responsible for the tempo of the music, but he or she is responsible for representing the student population of the band. In parade formation, the strides of the field commander is used to measure the distance in which every band member is to hold throughout the parade. The strides of the field commander are standards of the high school band in all aspects.
The drum major has an equally important role, only with a change of band members. The drum major’s main job is to conduct the middle school band for parades, but the influence of the drum major on middle school students is immeasurable. Impressionable middle school students have always looked up to the drum major as a role model because of his or her high school status and willingness to participate in middle school activities.
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PHOTO BY TOM STRAIGHT
June 2, 2009
Commanding the field
Do you have what it takes to keep the beat?
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Commanding the field
How many can distinctively conduct the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in ¾ time using the appropriate cut-offs and the upbeat introductions? How many can direct a band marching backward and keeping time to the parade style songs? These are only the tryouts, while in reality the job of field commander entitles much more.
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To hear music, just press ‘play’
Can you imagine living a day without music? Or having a month without your iPod or mp3 player? Just think of how the world would be if you were not able to hear your favorite song echo through a speaker. Well, the way that music players have branched out over the years, there are no worries for not having music by your side for generations to come.
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A night to remember
The night was just like any other dance we seniors had attended. North Marion’s Prom of 2009 hit it off from the start. Students danced to songs including “Just Dance”, by Lady Gaga and “When You Say Nothing at All.”
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A musical journey
On April 23, East Fairmont High School’s Elizabethans and My Fair Ladies began their eight-hour journey to Williamsburg, Va.
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A new outlook
When you think of the city of Fairmont, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Perhaps it’s the courthouse — nestled in the heart of downtown, a depiction of regal architecture that is a symbol of our city’s history. Or maybe you think of the “Million Dollar” bridge that connects east and west side; an optimistic landscape which is a more recent addition to Marion County. Then again, you may picture a site that is connected to your own personal memories. -
Making it worthwhile
During the spring and the fall, a very important event happens to a selected group at Fairmont Senior High School. This event is the inductions of the National Honor Society.
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Cell phone nation
Are cell phones taking over the nation?
Is it just me or does it appear that everywhere you turn someone is using a cell phone? -
In praise of the humble elective
With an economy that can at best be described as “chilly,” it makes sense that Americans are turning more and more to the majors and careers that seem like sure things. Why get a degree in medicine? Well, you could be a doctor. Interested in advertisements? Have you considered going into ... advertisement?
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Bittersweet new beginnings
Now that spring has finally arrived, students in their senior years have one main goal — get to graduation!
It has been a long 13 years of report cards, field trips, dances, sporting events, friendships, and yes, even some fighting. -
Free Spirit Conference ’09
It’s your special perfect day and a thunderstorm starts to move in, causing all the banners, balloons, the perfect hair, etc. to become distorted.
After this treacherous day do you pack your bags and give up? - More Cold Pizza Headlines
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