Andrew Lewis High School - Pioneer Yearbook (Salem, VA)

Page 30 text:

Under the direction of Mr. Carl Harris the forty-seven members of the A Cappella Choir performed enthusiastically at several school functions, including th Christmas and Thanksgiving assemblies. In February a number of these choir members participated in regional and state chorus. Versatile Student Body Focuses Talents in Creative Fields. MRS. CAROL JO NICHOLS, Art; Inkslinger Art Advis¬ or, Sophomore Class Ad¬ visor; B.A., Fairmont State College. MR. CARL HARRIS, Choir; B.M., Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. MISS ANN THOMASON, Public Speaking; English, Drama; B.A., R.P.I.; M.A., V.P.I. MR. ALAN FARLEY. Band; M.A., Columbia Uni versify. 26

Page 29 text:

Dotty Martin grimaced in distaste as lab partner Sandra McCown probed deeper into the anatomy of a fish. Students That “Seeing Is Believing.” Science courses transported the students at A.L. into a field of advances and evolving changes. New textbooks, equipment, and techniques updated both classroom and laboratory procedures. Eighth graders were introduced into the science department through a general course that included broad coverage of such fields as geology, astron¬ omy, and human biology. In this way interest could be developed as a helpful guide in selecting lab sciences for study in later years. Ninth grade science was confined to two main branches—chemistry and physics. This course em¬ ployed more extensive laboratory practice, serving as a basis for advanced chemistry and physics. Delving into the complex mysteries concerning life, biology students began with the basic cell and ad¬ vanced through the animal and plant kingdoms. Human biology and genetics presented a detailed explanation of the functioning of body systems and the science of heredity. Students became familiar with a new concept of science as they studied chemistry. This concept was the use of mathematics in relationship to experi¬ mental findings. Frequent laboratory experimenting showed the procedures of famous scientists could be duplicated. A new textbook, PSSC Physics, was used in physics classes with its accompanying workbook. Lab work inclu ded everything from making soda-straw bal¬ ances to observing wave motion in a ripple tank. Every science student was required to complete projects, many of which were entered in the school and county science fairs. MRS. DAPHNE JAMISON, Ssience; B.S., Radford Col¬ lege. MISS DOROTHY O ' DELL, Biology, Bi-Phy-Chem Advisor; B.S., East Tennessee College. MR. MURPHY SCOTT, Science, Audio Visual, Projec¬ tion Club Advisor; B.S., V.P.I. MRS. MICHAEL STEVENS, Biology, Football and Wres¬ tling Coach; BA., University of Virginia. 25

Page 31 text:

Andrew Lewis possessed a talented ' 64- ' 65 student body, judging from the sizes of the drama, art, choir, and band departments. Skill and interest were poured into creative activities throughout the year. The drama casts practiced continually to present superior performances for their audiences. Miss Thomason could be heard at any rehearsal shout¬ ing, What ' s wrong with you? Project, project! The casts soon learned to speak for the benefit of those in the rear of the balcony as well as those occupying front now seats. Productions included John Brown ' s Body and Party of the Candidates. The art ' room proved to be a busy, creative place; the shelves were cluttered and the hum of talent at work was unmistakable. One hundred-fifty art students found themselves swept into the soul- satisfying work of trying to create a masterpiece. They worked with every style, subject, and medium; much of their work was put on display at local exhibitions and galleries. It was early to rise and late to bed for choir mem¬ bers this year as they endeavored to maintain their continued excellence. Each section rehearsed at eight o ' clock in the morning at least once a week; exhausting concerts kept the singers occupied long into the night. Concerts included music ranging from South Pacific to The Creation. The new choir director, Mr. Harris, devoted his time to perfecting the talents of members of the choirs, A Cappella, Mixed, and Eighth Grade. Everyone at A.L. took pride in the marked improve¬ ment and fine quality of band music. Sore feet and tired lungs accompanied the frequent practice sessions. Ambitious Mr. Farley maintained diligent practice and study among the students of the senior band and the junior band class. Three shining basses, valued at three thousand dollars, and new French Horns were purchased. In the spring a four¬ teen piece dance orchestra was assembled, to be ready for performance by fall of 1965. Four fine arts classes featuring such a varied pro¬ gram of study proved to be an invaluable asset in aiding students to receive a well-rounded education. Regular drilling and long rehearsals convinced Lloyd Connor and other hard working band members of the importance of accuracy and alertness in executing precise marching patterns. Mike Mullins and Judy Foley, two of Lewis ' outstanding drama students, scanned the bulletin board covered with items con¬ cerning drama department activities. 27