Kilgore College - Ranger Yearbook (Kilgore, TX)

Page 32 text:

Summer band gets back to basics Summer band. Back to basics. Put down the instruments and walk through the routine AGAIN. Get it right, get it timed and “get with it.” Ranger Band Director Jerry Hale, using hand gestures, barks commands with the electric horn, “Ok folks let’s try it now with the horns.” The rigors of beginning again wear on the experienced and inexperienced alike. Sweat rolls and wavy heat rises from their marching feet. Cheeks bellow and arms swing as the music helps the marchers keep in step. Occassionally, “l...2...3..”.can be heard in whispers from the crowd. When something docs not look right Hale lets them know. “Stop!” is the signal that usually means someone is not doing what they should. He tells everyone except a certain section to put down their instruments. Hale may require a group to go through the part or parts of the routine by themselves. After a problem is solved he says, “Everybody ready.” The director-mentor does not always look from ground level, however. He sometimes perches on the highest scat and hangs over the rail to get a blimp’s eye view from R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium’s highest scat. With his assistant Mike Turpin, Hale works with the mass to learn new routines. The routines are to be used at different events throughout the 1986-87 year. Along with playing at weekly pep rallies, the band marches through the streets of east Texas cities during many holiday parades. The Cotton Bowl Parade in Dallas has welcomed the Ranger Band along with the Rangercttcs for 38 years. The two performing groups have led off the Cotton Bowl Classic each time. In past years Ranger Band and Rangercttcs have performed in foreign countries and some of the largest U.S. cities. But, whether they are performing in Overton, Texas, New York City or Nice, France, the technical proficiency, the timing, the creativity and showmanship that has made them famous and popular must begin with the long, repetitive workouts each summer. 28

Page 31 text:

Opposite pane, top: A Rangcrettc stops to take a break during summer ‘Relies. Bottom:Rangcreties share in a special moment between ‘Rette sisters. This page, top: Rangcrcttcs practice new drill routines. Abose: A Water break is taken during summer practice. 27

Page 33 text:

Opposite pageSome band members stop to discuss drills as others march. This page. top right,Instructor Jerry Hale directs students on the field. Righl:A resting instrument reflects the band’s performance. Abose:Assistant director Mike Turpin helps direct band members in practicing drills. 29