Alief Elsik High School - Ramblings Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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Orchestra Second “The most important thing about being in the orchestra is the competition,” said violinist, Freshman Reba Hollinsworth. Elsik’s new orchestra practiced a lot for competitions such as the all region and all state competitions in which they placed second in Flag Corps Karen Goodrich, Cheryl Ryan. Rachel Har- daway, and Valerie Card wait for the half time where they will perform at the Hastings game. Photo by V. Pal state. They also practiced for their spring concert which was held on May 9. Their biggest competition, however, was the UIL solo and ensemble contest. “The most competitive thing to me is competing in all-state, said Violinist Philip Chen. “I became the sponsor because I wanted to be an orchestra teacher, and I wanted to see students make music. said Mr. English. The orchestra had thirteen members who played four The band plays for the drill team conducted by Senior Jay Grantam and Junior Chris Theofanidis at the Hastings game. Photo by V. Pai in State instruments: the violin, the viola, the cello, and the bass. “Orchestra makes me a much more responsible person, even though we do not spend as much time practicing as the band. When we do practice, it is a lot of hard work,” said Violinist Lester Lopez. “We are all proud of playing in the orchestra and most of us will continue for the rest of our Elsik careers!” stated Celloist Grace James. By T. Murdock. Reporter Orchestra: Front: B. Su, Q. Quin Von, R. Martin, L. Cohen, R. Hollinsworth. L. Bellous; Back: D. Chen, C. Chu, L. Lopez, T. Hughes, Mr. English, S. Wheaton, A. Berzon, P. Chen. Photo by K. Groves Orchestra 119

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Thanks To Judge, Entire Band Goes on Dallas Trip The best thing about the band is the family atmosphere and the fact that we are all a team! explained bass clarinet player. Sophomore Shelly Stuck. The best thing about the band is the marching season because we have a lot of school spirit!” said clarinet player, Sophomore Dawn Massop. The 160 member band had its ups and downs with House Bill 72 introduced at the beginning of the second semester. This bill affected the band because many students who received failing grades were not allowed to participate in after school activities and could not go on the out of town trip to Dallas for the Six Flags band contest on April 26. These students were obviously disappointed, but not for long. The morning the band was to leave North House principal Mrs. Keeling announced that due to a restraining order on House Bill 72, the bill would not be in effect until summer. Thus, students who were considered ineligible were able to go to Dallas and had to call home to get clothes and money and had to find time to make up practice time they missed due to House Bill 72. I was really surprised with the court decision because I could finally go to Dallas.” said flutist Freshman Paula Temple. “It was a big happy confusion since I had to call home to get clothes packed. she said. Apart from the Dallas trip, the band participated in the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest in which they won 54 medals. Junior Chris Young won the outstanding soloists award at that contest. He also entered the Sam Houston Jazz Festival. At the Foley's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the band was announced as the Honor Band”, they participated in the Blinn College Marching Festival, the Alief Autumn Festival Parade, and performed at all the football games. One good thing about the band is that it kept us really active in sports and school activities, said clarinet player. Senior Rachel Hardaway. The band members were very enthusiastic about the band and they tried to attend all the performances and competitions. I have been playing the trumpet ever since the sixth grade and the band has made me more disciplined.” explained Junior Brett Freshman Ricky Allen and Sophomore Sun Lee march across the football field at the Westchester game wearing their new uniforms. Photo by V. Pai Jarrard. The band also raised money by having the Chili Supper, and selling cheese and sausage pizzas. The band teaches me coordination and how to become a better person. said clarinet player Ricky Rivera. Added flutisl Senior Terry Cummings. I will continue to particip; in the band at Baylc University because the way the Elsik ba has influenced me. By T. Murdock, Reporter Senior Jay Grantham leads the band across the field for the big ending to the song As Softly as I Leave You at the Hastings game. Photo by L. Catos Tho band practices their UIL Hungarian Dances No. 5 at by L. Cates marching formation to tho Westchester game. Photo 118 Band

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Revelliers Win First Place In All San Antonio Events “We have had an excellent year. That's why we won in the San Antonio competition - we came together and worked hard! said Revellier Sponsor Mrs. Martin. The Revelliers placed first in all events at the San Antonio competition May 9-10 including team, officers, and line events, which were of the highest prestige. They also won the sweepstakes and super-sweepstakes awards. Entries included three dances by the lines, three dances by the officers, and 200 other routines that won the best choreography in the entire contest. I think that in San Antonio we proved a lot to the people here, and there, that we are awesome and that Hastings doesn’t hold a candle to us!” exclaimed Junior Tracy Kizziar. The Revelliers were not greatly affected by the House Bill 72. but Mrs. Martin said she “sees it causing future problems.” She stated. “Most of the girls can do well in all their classes except one. so that causes them to be ineligible.” ”1 joined the Revies to show spirit for the school and to show my talent for something I like to do.” stated Junior Wendy Arnold. The Revies practiced until 4:30 every weekday because they always had some event to practice for. Their involvement spanned from parts in Our Town, officer tryouts, the Autumn Festival Parade, talent shows, middle school performances, every football and basketball game, every available pep rally, to the six hour dance-a-thon for the American Heart Association. They also attended workshops at various high schools in Spring Branch. Alief. and Houston school districts. “I think that practice is the key to success and you have to put in as much as you want to get out of it. That’s what Revies is all about!” said Sophomore Monica Covington. Mrs. Martin became the Revelier sponsor because she was a dance major in college. She loved dancing and movement and the Revies were the closest thing to dancing in high school. Before she moved to Texas, she coached a drill team in Salt Lake City. Utah which placed first in Nationals. Ever since then she has become very involved in dancing. By T. Murdock. Reporter Senior Sue Lee. a three year Revie. practices her favorite Jazz routine. Sue won the Award of Excellence in San Antonioand numeroussquad ribbons. “One thing that’s special about Revelliers is that we’re all a family. We all love each other,” she said. Photo by V. Pai The Revelliers stretch before practice to prevent strained muscles and injury. Photo by B. Mitchell Sophomoro Monica Coving- ton puts the final touches on her leap for the International Food Fair that the Revies sponsored. Photo by L. Cates 120 Revolllers