Ruskin High School - Mirage Yearbook (Kansas City, MO)

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of the year for their big event, contest. Concentration as well as memorization is important to a good violin player, as shown by Shawn Sartain and Doug Sharp. ORCHESTRA IS AN EXTRAORDINARY CLASS Considered a Fine Art, Orchestra differs from other classes in the curriculum due to the fact that notes weren’t necessary, and ex- ams were unheard of. The only text consisted of a few pieces of sheet music. In an effort to achieve perfect harmony, the musicians would toot, pluck and tap an hour a day, eventually finding that beautiful melody possible. Learning was by trial and error methods, the big test was in front of the audience—that’s where the students made “points.” In a time when culture often takes a backseat, Mr. Toslee’s students provided a little class to many an assembly and concert. Once finished, appreciative applause proved that beautiful music still has a place in this society. Those enrolled in the class feel that artfully playing an instru- ment is not merely for entertainment purposes, for more importantly it cultivates a sense of personal pride in one’s talent. Class time is spent strictly playing each piece of music until it sounds right to Mr. Touslee. The violin section poses until ready to play their part. Orchestra 21

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THE GOLD CHOIR’S GOT PIZAZZ! Just what is a nard? In order to soothe a curious mind, one need only ask a Ruskin student who eats fourth lunch shift. If he can’t define it, then one might further interrogate the “red faced on Valentine’s Day. Yes, a nard is a prestigious, proud, and vocally talented member of the Gold Choir who found great pleasure in serenading the lunchroom with the Alma Mater, or relaying “I love you’ s on February 14 in 25 cent singing valentines. Head Nard. William Hamble, worked with the Gold Choir cabinet, consisting of Mark Moon, president, Steve Buie, vice president, Terri Hatch, treasurer, and Melissa Capen, secretary. Throughout the year, the cabinet worked in coordina- tion with the three annual concerts—the Fall and Spring Concerts, and the sacred Christmas Vespers, this year held in the Red Bridge Baptist Church. The Gold Choir dedication attained a 2 rating in the district contests held at CMSU in Warrensburg. Better yet. the choir’s mixed glee club, the Rulo’s, brought back a 1 rating. In an individual effort, Ronnie Culver easily managed a 1 rating with his vocal solo, and was then able to go onto state contest with Mr. Hamble. But all in all, it looked like a 2 year. Though Ruskin now has three choirs, there is no comparison to the status and honor that accompanies being a Gold Choir Nard—and besides, no one can raise goosebumps better than one. Ruskin’s own Pinball Wizard! This is the only way to sing!