Mater Dei High School - Hi Lights Yearbook (Evansville, IN)

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Camps for champs Camps meant a lot of fun and games for most of us, but that wasn ' t the case for junior drum major Jeff Wenzel this summer. Jeff spent the second week of his summer at Western Kentucky learning the skills of a drum major. Instead of swimming, hiking and sleeping late, camp activities consisted of waking early to jumping jacks and calisthe- nics. The remainder of the day was restricted to learning and practicing the different ways to direct a band. This included bringing a band on and off the field properly and charting field, which is mapping the band ' s marching pattern on the field. You had a test on everything. You learned to make sure that you knew how to do it. If you didn ' t understand something, there was time during the day when you could talk to the teach- er in charge, said Jeff. In addition to all this, Jeff had to be able to count and direct 2 4, 3 4, and 4 4 time. When Jeff got back from the West- ern Kentucky camp, he still had another camp to attend before he could show off his new skill at the football games. Camp Crescendo, in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky, pro- vided an opportunity for Mater Dei band members to get together and ATTENTION: Junior Jeff Wenzel salutes to the crowd at the Fall Festival Parade. This year was Jeff ' s first experience as drum major with the Wildcat band. (Photo by Missy Burdette) learn a show. Jeff explained that al- though he had learned a few things up at band camp, the majority of his learning had already taken place be- fore that. Jeff started getting interested in drum majoring when there was an open position for one in the Mater Dei band. Only a few people were trying out; therefore, he thought he would give it a try. Jeff, along with several other auditioners, had to march, yell out commands, direct different pieces of music, and answer pop questions that Mr. Kurt Wambach, the band director, asked. The reason for the questions was to see which person could explain and answer without great delay or confusion — a very im- portant skill for one in charge of a band. Jeff was judged by Wambach and eight students — two from each class. The few conflicts which he had confronted for the first time made him into a first place Mater Dei drum major. — Jeanne Rivard A TOUCH OF BRASS: Dan Haller was one of the many Pep Band members who provided half-time entertainment at all the home basketball games. This was Dan ' s third year in the MD band. (Photo by Rob Zigenfus) PRACTICE MAKES PERCUSSION: Drummers Ron Schneider, Mark Seng, Mike Neale. and Greg Cul- ley keep the beat with the band while practicing for the upcoming contest at Castle High SchooT. (Photo by Mary Ellert)

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HUM DRUM: After long hours of marching at Camp Cresendo in Lebanon Junction. Kentucky, sopho- more percussion member Tony Taylor collapses. The band stayed there one week preparing for the upcoming season. (Photo by Alan Burdette) SNACKIN ' AND SNOOZIN ' : CLOCKWISE: Band members Peter Emmert. Stacy Baker. Mary Ann Scheller. Julie Haller, Dan Haller, Lori Duncan, and Greta Emmert gather around for a game of poker before bedtime in a church cafeteria after a com- petition in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Missy Bur- dette) FLUTE FANATIC: Freshman Amy Lindenschmidt concentrates to keep the melody with the other band members (Photo by Mary Ellert) A

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MARCHING MADNESS: Cindy Neale, Alan Bur- dette, and Betsy Briedenbach complete their jour- ney down Franklin street during the Fall Festival Parade. The two-mile trek was one of the shortest parades the band marched in. (Photo by Missy Burdette) COMPETITION CRAZE: During a comfortable day at Vinncennes. the Wildcat band came home with a third-place trophy. This was another chance to display its new marching routine. (Photo by Mis- sy Burdette) BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY: Senior Jerry Gran- nan adds some fun to an exhausting early morning practice at band camp. Jerry performed trumpet solos during many of the band ' s halftime perform- ances and plans to pursue a musical career. (Photo by Alan Burdette) PUCKER UP: Trumpet players Jerry Grannan. Jeff Wenzel, Lori Duncan, and Mary Ann Scheller give their lips a workout during band class. (Photo by Mary Ellert)