Caddo Magnet High School - Odyssey Yearbook (Shreveport, LA)

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Erik Rutland draws attention with his toe tapping sax. The Jazz Ensemble is full of young talents just like Eric. Seniors Dalonda Maddox and Shannon Rose sing out with gusto in Mrs. Britton’s choir class. Highlights of the year include singing in festivals, singing in Christ mas programs, and being a part of a talented group of young singers. note-ably the best David Murray drums up his share of attention. An energetic and dedicated musician, he is noted for his enthusiastic support of the jazz ensemble. He had rhythm; he had music; he had pi- jazz. He was Magnet s own musical hit man. Ranking high on the instrumental music departments scale of performance was senior David Murray. Measure for measure, David pounded the beat, providing the rhythmic backdrop for the school jazz ensemble. An accom plished drummer who pians to pursue a career in professional music, David has made significant contributions. As jazz instructor Dorsey Summerfield often noted, Magnet has had more than its share of fine musicians, but David has al- ways projected something special. He has seemed happiest while seated in the per cussion section of any group that plays music. His interest, dedication and stamina made him a standout in any crowd. Not only did he provide leadership and drive for many worthwhile school events, but he also added his own touch of class (Class of ' 86, of course) to Mr. Summerfield own Polyphonics. David could be counted on to do his best in all his musical endeavors, but he was also a valuable and dependable member of YACA, according to art instructor Edward Allen. Senior David Murray proved that he knew how to beat out the competition art- fully. Music Department •

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The halls are alive with the Sophomore Carlos Dryden really gets into his singing! Paying close attentiori to the director is a major key in musical success. Sound of Music Students have the opportunity to discov- er or enhance their musical talents in the music department at Magnet. Through much effort and dedication the department has been put together by some of Magnets excellent staff. During some of the classes, jazz, classical music, and choir, music echos through the corridors of D-wing. Oth- er classes may not be so common but are just as interesting. In these classes the students dress in native costumes and play music of other time periods in order to learn of these eras. The choir, directed by Mrs. Patricia Brit- ton, performs and enters many competi tions and places very high in state. Pau lette Hewitt says, “Choir has given me the greatest experience during my four years of participation. Music enhances my life and being part of a great choir makes it all the better.” Kim Davis, a senior, States the best thing about choir is the director, Mrs. Britton, “She expects a lot but she knows we can do it. I have a lot of respect for her because she takes pride in what she is doing and does a great job.“ Piano classes, taught by Mr. Yenger is a complete study of mastering the piano, which can be a difficult task but not impos sible. Liesl Milford, a sophomore, says, “I can express myself when I play the piano, and it helps me release my frustration.” Denise White States, “I enjoy playing the piano because it is an accomplishment which makes a person feel good. It s even better when you get congratulated on a job well done.” Magnet s Music Department strives to meet each goal it pursues and conquers each one with excellence. Each student expresses his own musical talents and abilities. Sophomores Derrick Carter and Grant Summers have fun with a little jammin’ jazz Many students at Mag¬ net enjoy the ability to express themselves through Dorsey Summerfields jazz classes. AII of the music interest found at Magnet sparks students to try their hand professionally. Patrick Oli¬ ver and Guy Keith join forces with David Corley to form their own band, like so many other young artists at our school. 74 • Academics

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Expressions and creations come alive in Drama and dance One of the most unique qualities consti- tuting the Magnet school is its ability to bring the arts in a more realistic sense to the lives of its students. The dance and drama departments, although two diverse courses, are examples of the arts within the school curriculum. According to new drama coach Denise McGuffey, “Drama gives students the op portunity to try new and diverse things. A lot of students in the drama program are not interested in acting, but in directing and the technical aspects.” Students en rolled in the drama program take part in painting and constructing scenery, direct¬ ing techniques, and projection as well as visual effects. Senior Gregg Ashley sees drama as, “.. . a chance for me to develop my personality into a working field of study.” Many who are as serious about dance as Gregg is about drama realize that this is true. These students see the reality of a dream in dance teacher Ginger Folmer. Her determination, finesse, and style is re- vealed to those in her classes. Mrs. Folmer sees dance as a great way to express her creativity as well as keep in shape. She believes two types of students take dance. One type takes dance out of curiosity while the other takes dance to extend his knowledge and dreams in dance. Mrs. Folmer is demanding of her students, re- quiring each to participate daily and devel¬ op a healthy mental attitude toward dance. Through the determination of its lead- ers, Magnet is able to offer the performing arts instructors who are sure of their sub- jects and who help those students who make contact with their creativity develop a style all their own. Senior Karen DeLouche concentrates on poise while Ginger Thomas concentrates on staying on her feet. Ballet and tap classes are a fun, challenging way to develop flexibility and poise. Helping to assemble props is one task in which Drama students engage. Ms. McGuffey, drama teacher. guides senior Gregg Ashley and junior Susan Murphy in putting the final touches on their masterpiece. really on her toes Senior Suyah Loud almost always can be seen with a smile on her face. With talent like hers, there is good reason for the cheerfulness. A bundle of energy and vitality, Suyah Loud was the unanimous choice of the dance department for outstanding honors. Suyah has been an eager participant in every school dance activity since she en- rolled four years ago. As a freshman dance student at Mag- net s own Artfest, Suyah combined grace, poise, and action. Renditions of jazz, classi cal ballet, and tap dancing were some of the contributions she made. Shreveport Regional Arts Council host- ed its first annual parish wide celebration of the fine arts last year, and Suyah was again there in the midst of the activity. She performed a popular tap dance number entitled “Fiddler,” which was based on the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof. Suyah also presented “Fiddler” during intermis- sion of the 1985 Mystic Maiden Pageant. Vibrant and eager to dance the hours away, Suyah Loud has been a whirlwind of the “light fantastic.” The dance troup at Magnet will miss the energy exuded by the tap-tap-tap of Suyah s dance slippers. Magnefs Mrs. Folmer and Mrs. Johnson have really kept Suyah on her toes, but she has yet to let them down. Take a bow for your efforts, Suyah Loud! 76 • Academics