Dobson High School - Equus Yearbook (Mesa, AZ)

Page 178 text:

Da Da Da Dum Orchestra Creates Classical Music While the musicians were obedi- ently following the stream of movements from Director Brenda Mitchell’s hands, they were finding themselves victims of fatigue. At- tempting to learn their pieces, the symphony orchestra met first hour, each day, all year. Despite their morning weariness, the sym- phony orchestra achieved a supe- rior rating at Arizona State Univer- sity in the ABODA Fall Orchestra Festival. Not only did they com- pete in fall and spring festivals, they also performed with pride in several concerts held in the audito- rium before appreciative audi- ences. The symphony orchestra con- sisted of thirty-five members who were string players, and twenty- three members who were wind, brass, and percussion players to- taling fifty-eight. In order to be a part of the sym- phony orchestra, the musicians made several commitments. They had to be willing to practice on their own, attend sectionals be- fore and after school, participate in festivals on Saturdays, and per- form in evening concerts. Because the musicians perse- vered, they achieved their goal of being the best they could be both individually and as an orchestra. Design by Pam DeCain. Photos by Karen Herba ugh. String players Julie Lear, Amy Augus- tine, and Trevor McEntire study the or- chestra’s repetoire. Symphony Orchestra. Front Row: Rachel Perkins. Erin Power. Jennifer Link, Greg James. Matthew Pridemore, Sonja Haase. Richard Loughlin. Second Row. Andrea Carson. Amanda Prescott. Leah Heron. Beth Meighan, Sandy Payne, Melanie Porter. Cindi Martinez. Kim Phar, Carol Rensand. Julio Lear. Kim Camp. Susie Thompson, Karen Schweitzer. Amy Augustine. Third Row: Stacey Fields, Shauna Reploglc. Alccla Burnett. Holly Sundberg. Micchello Plummor, Roger Tang. Melanie Fisher. Carrie Edman, Brian McSpaddon. Emma Patterson. Miko Williams, Andrea Jones. Robyn Jones. Lisa Johnson. Michelle Fowler. Jacqueline Hakes. Tammy Zundel. Joanina Bolduc. Back Row: Stevon Lubcck, Stove Keller, John Elkins. Michael Fantus. Michelle Cur- rant, Sean Harvan, Ryuji Morishita, Missy Smith. Molissa Mcnten, Imre Ker- tesz. Shirley Lewis. Richard Komurek. Chris Windes. Scott McIntyre. 174 Orchestra Campus Activities

Page 177 text:

Senior Ellen Wise prepares herself and Diving into the music, band director, her instrument for a concert with at- Mr. Mayne, holds the attention of Con- tentive practice. cert Band musicians during a tune. Pursuing Unity Symphonic and Concert Bands Create Harmony Unity, as English teachers often reminded students, holds a com- position together. This same prin- ciple was vital in the Symphonic and Concert bands. This force formed friendships and a willing- ness to work together. Because of their many hours of practice, band members learned to work as one. In addition to an hour a day in class, students prac- ticed at home, enabling them to contribute to the entire ensemble. Thus, when they met for perfor- mances, they knew they were ready. Band also allowed musicians to perform in special situations. The Symphonic Band had the opportu- nity to share their rare talents with the whole country at the Music Educators' National Convention in Pasadena, California. Both bands, in addition to many concerts, competed in local and state con- cert festivals. “We are not going just to get a trophy, but for the students' benefit,” remarked band director, Mr. Mayne. To members, the greatest ad- vantage was the comaraderie. Once the bell rang, the performers were still close, sharing a common dedication to music. This attitude of togetherness unified the bands, forming a family atmosphere in and out of class. “The dedication of each person to work together as one is our strength and unity,” said senior Shari Barrett. Design by Tina Kwasnica. Photos by Andy Phelps. Band Campus Activities 173

Page 179 text:

Junior Brian McSpadden’s intense concentration is evident as he per- forms a solo during first hour orches- tra. Ben Turner rehearses a difficult pas- Cello player Greg James warms up for a sage in preparation for a concert. symphony orchestra practice session. Orchestra Campus Activities 175