Chugiak High School - Babiche Yearbook (Chugiak, AK)

Page 93 text:

Flooding Doesn ' i jmpen Spirits Orchestra students got a wet surprise when the sprin- kler system flooded the auditorium. The spi mg deluge left an inch of water on the newly built auditorium floor. Mrs. Beth Leffingwell expressed this view. Thank God about two weeks before the sprinkler system broke, the instru- ment racks arrived. Before the racks arrived, all the in- struments had been lying on the floor in Mrs. Lcffingwell ' s office, which is located on the lower level of the audito- rium. Besides the flood, other difficulties plagued the de- partment last year. Chugiak High School ' s orchestra lacked quality instru- ments. Mrs. Leffingwell ' s one wish, prayer, and hope was to get a full set of good quality instruments. The orchestra had instruments but they were borrowed from other schools, and Mrs. Leffingwell called them junk . The school bought a brand new grand piano instead of much needed instruments. According to Mrs. Leffingwell, The new grand piano represents an adequate set of orchestra instruments. Her priorities were easy to see. On a better note. Mrs. Leffingwell was glad to have a new place to practice because tne acoustics in the upper cafeteria were notoriously awful. Her new rehearsal area was more pleasant and quiet than the old one. Included in the new place to practice was an upstairs staging area for performances with an acoustical system described as state of the art . Whatever the state, it was apparent that the spirits of the orchestra and its leader could never be swamped. 9 ' ' ' f- .1 ' ' Vi

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BOTTOM LEFT: Eyes on Mrs. LeffingweU ' s baton, John Wood doesn ' t miss a note. TOP RIGHT: Carefully handling her violin. Dahne Wilson follows the score. BOTTOM RIGHT: A mc ' lody soars from Lisa Lorenz ' s instrument mto the atmosphere. TOP RIGHT: Starmg at their music theory. Michal Bates and Carl Firmstone wait to be saved by the bell. OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP LEFT: Playing in unison. Sally Leedharn and Eric KoUander get into the music. RIGHT: During extensive practice. Dawn Kennedy. Heather Kirkpatrick. LaShanda Witherspoon and Elizabeth Bell harmonize togeth- er. BOTTOM: BACK ROW: Eric KoUander. Elizabeth Bell. Michelle Carter. Shelly Mitchell. Matthew Guenther. Lisa Mann. Jeff Tjaden. William Lane - in back of-Leah Watson. Heather Guyan. Shanna Auguston, Gajus Worth- mgton. Sally Leedharn, Mrs. Beth Leffmgwell. SEATED: MIDDLE: Athena LaTocha, Wendy Stiles. Lisa Lorenz, LaShonda Withersppon, Daphne Wil- son. Heather Kirkpatrick, Dawn Kennedy. FRONT ROW: John Wood, An- drew Primis, Dain Geisert. Orchestra

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Top footers Tune For Taylor Beginning, Intermediate, and Jazz Band tooted a brand new teacher, Mr. Chip Taylor. It was difficult starting all over, commented Mr. Taylor but, ... the progress of the students made it fun. CHS bands practiced industriously during first semes- ter. During second semester all the bands performed in several programs including their own festival. After each program, it was rewarding to hear positive comments from parents and other members of the audience. There were other incentives for the participants however. If one of the Intermediates did very well they would be advanced to the Symphonic Band. This year the Symphon- ic Band performed at music festivals, the Homecoming Game, and several evening performances. The Jazz Band also jammed in front of crowds, most notably at the Christ- mas Program. None of these musical happenings could have eventuat- ed without the help of managers. The Equipment Manager for Symphonic Band was Jon Stehn; the Uniform Manager was Jil Freitag; and the Music Librarians were Jeff Stout and Ron Flodin. Mr. Taylor concluded, Building a program can be very difficult. The 1985 kids contributed to a band that the school can be proud of. Part of the building of that pro- gram included awarding points to members who earned them. Points were given on the basis of contribution to the band and musicianship. BEGINNING BAND: ABOVE: BACK ROW: Richard Renke. Sean Hailey, Leah Watson. Tern Palmer. Cynthia Hancock. FRONT ROW: Michelle Fret well. Marcy Foote. Justin Morris Jina Skinner, Yunny Kuk. J ' OP LEFT: Practicing for the upcoming performance. Ron Flodin concentrates on perfection. LEFT: Watching the conductor. Justin Morris waits for his cue. 90 Bard I