Alliance High School - Bulldog Yearbook (Alliance, NE)

Page 27 text:

Increasing Acceptance of Stage Band Brightens Future An important part of stage band is the low student-teacher ratio. Another practice session finds the band hard at work. Mr. Norm Running provides enthusiasm and leadership while directing. Betty Jo Milks and the electric piano just naturally go well together. Excellent back-up music is provided by Rick Renteria on the bass and drummer Rob Haslow. Under the new direction of Mr. Norman Running, the AHS Stage Band progressed in the presentation of jazz, pop-rock, and disco music. The stage band consisted of between 10 and 16 musicians, and as the year proceeded, the group began featuring more soloists. The group performed at the Christmas Concert, Rock and Roll Jamboree at the Good Samaritan Village, and other engagements throughout the year. With a little time, talent, and work, the stage band will continue to improve in the upcoming years. 23

Page 26 text:

Swing Choir Grooves to Today’s Sound The Blue Persuasion kept a busy schedule this year. Performing at the Good Samaritan Rock and Roll Jamboree, attending the Chadron State College Swing Choir Festival, and performing at the Middle School Music Concert. To become a member of swing choir, one must first audition for Mrs. Deb. Dowling. This difficult task includes choreography and sight reading. Ten boys and twelve girls are then selected on the basis of their performance for the next year’s swing choir. Songs performed by the swing choir were primarily modern pieces, such as “Daybreak,” “Mercy, Mercy,” and “Calling Occupants.” They also did a medley of Beach Boys’ hits. The swing choir concluded its year by participating in the Fine Arts Festival on May 17. Swing choir members “Celebrate” to the delight of the Good Samaritan Village residents. Swing Choir members are: Brook Bowhay, Rick Parish, Doug Clark, Steve Cripe, Andrew Brit-tan, Brian Vandeventer, Jim Podhaisky, Dan Kumetat.Ge raid Messersmith, Jill Wegner, Cindy Barnett, Tracy Swanson, Deb Appleyard, Tracy Sakata, Anne Mundt, Lori DeFord, Jan Averna, Chris Swanson, Natalie Lauer, Betty Milks, Michelle Bilstein, Rob Haslow, and Rick Renteria. Concentration is the key for swing choir partners Tracy Swanson and Doug Clark. Brook Bowhay finds that hard practices Female vocalists of Blue Persuasion” use and performances can be very tiring. their persuasive powers on their partners. 22

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AHS Band Climbs to New Heights Clarinets include: Maureen Kelly, Denise Handley, Kris Rask, Linda Stull, Betty Milks, Martic Estrada, Theodora Kochiras, Michelle Bil-stein, Jodcll Peters, Lisa Fischer, Nancy Gies, Deanna Handley, Joan Bush, Cathy Frazier, and Laurie Hoff. New director Norm Running, who is never at a loss for w'ords and is always with a smile, proves to be a great asset to the school. Saxaphonists arc: Allen Hofmann, Mike Frazier, Stuart Green, John Stull, Rob Flores, Wanda Crawford, Nadine Richmeier, and Beth Vcj-raska. Base Clarinets are: Krystal Benzel and Betsy Simpson. Oboist is Dana Toedtli and bassoonist is Sue Cummings. Drummers Brook Bowhay and John Magdaleno work on precise rhythms. The band members, under the direction of Mr. Norm Running, were received with much enthusiasm from all audiences, as they played at the Christmas, Music in Our Schools, Pre-Contest, and Pops Concerts. The band’s last home performance was at graduation on May 20th. The band also traveled to Rapid City to participate in the Dakota Days Parade on June 1st and 2nd. Percussionists are: Mark Jensen, Tracy Thies, Stephanie Simpson, Scott Littlejohn, Brook Bowhay, John Magdaleno, Rob Haslow, Cory Hall, Bruce Thompson, Neil Pryor, and Mark Empson. 24