Weldon E Howitt High School - Hi Life Yearbook (Farmingdale, NY)

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 fingers trembled and band members fidgeted as they apprehensively awaited their chance to perform for the audience. The band members and stage crew frantically rushed around backstage, getting equipment and instruments ready for the big moment. As the first band finally took the stage, shouts of enthusiasm filled the auditorium, and the third annual Battle of the Bands was under way. The battle was awesome!'' said Dave Perdie, sophomore. Many people agreed that this year's battle was the best of the past three. Roger Stankus, senior, stated, The bands have improved over the past three years.'' The crowd was much more in control as well. Last year people crowded around the stage and there was pushing and shoving. During this battle, however, people stayed seated most of the time, and when they did gather around the stage, they were much more organized. The six bands each having 25 minutes to play, performed music ranging from that of older groups, such as the Doors and Jimi Hendrix, to newer bands, such as Bon Jovi and Dokken. A few of the bands, such as Deep freeze and Tuff Luk, had the opportunity to play original compositions, as well as covers of popular songs. Audience members had varying opinions on their favorite bands. I thought that Ho frills (Boogie Band) was great ' said Terry McCormack, teacher. The outfits worn by the bands were very original and creative ' commented Miss Monique Calabro, biology teacher. Blackstarr, the only band to use synthes- izers played by senior Adam Semcken, emerged as the winners. They were also the only band to perform an instrumental solo. Many people complimented the intricate guitar solo performed by Craig Manelli, junior. The solo was played with a lot of feeling ' commented Anthony Setteducati, English teacher. Although there could only be one winner, most students agreed with Bari-Sue Kenyon, sophomore, when she announced to the audience at the end of the battle All of the bands were great, and each one of them deserved to win ' Dawn Steffen, junior, thought that it was very hard to pickjust one winner. All of the bands had something special about them.'' for some of the bands, there was always the hope for next year but the most important thing for all was just having a good time and enjoying themselves. Tracy Simon

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 Deciding whether or not to have a job poses quite a dilemma. Working takes up a lot of time, but getting paid is an attractive offer no matter how low the salary might be. Besides, what would a typical student rather be doing? Studying and taking notes on European history or giving up a few hours after school knowing that Friday means payday? This choice was made by hundreds of students as they sought after-school employ- ment. Getting a job wasn't as hard as it used to be. Going down Main Street or Route 109, one was bound to see a help wanted'' sign. Students were always in the need of money, but parents didn't always have that extra five or ten dollars they needed so desperately. Students who had their own jobs had the luxury of not having to ask Mom all the time for money to buy new clothes. Teenagers flocked to such places as Carvel, 7-Eleven and McDonald's searching for jobs for much-needed money. Money earned wasn't always money saved, though. These precious dollars were often spent on the necessities that every teenager had, such as jeans, movies and of course, records. Salaries usually began at $3.35 an hour. except for the lucky ones who were paid off the books. At most fast food restaurants, em- ployees could depend on a five to fifteen-cent raise about every four months or so. Julie Grudzinski, senior, said, It's hard coming from a long day of school and having to go to work, but the money I make from McDonald's helps pay for Christmas presents, ski trips, senior activities and saving for college. On the counters of stores one could have often found textbooks and homework paper floating about. It could be tough trying to balance homework, studying and a job. De- spite the hectic and erratic working hours teenagers were hit with, homework could be done. Lorren Becker, junior, who worked at Mid Island department store said, I do my homework on my breaks or whenever we re not too busy. It was difficult getting to jobs for those who didn't drive, especially in bad weather. Carpools with older workers seemed to work out best, having friends on the job was fun as well as convenient when it came to transporta- tion. Jennifer Arangio ir the shoe nrs It can be difficult times pleasing a cu$ tdmer with the right shoe. li m Vecchione sizes up a pair of hike's in the Athlete $ Foot. tt'.r vr .,yy r DirreREnr spokes Certain jobs demand more training than others, Brendan Blood- nick works on a Jobs

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'-jgkr'Jn WALK IMG DO AISLE The enthusiasm projeci by the band membe reflected on the audience. Vinny DeStefaoo senior, runs through the scream- ing crowd as his band band members a chance to show their stuff. Craig Manelli displays his ability to play many octaves at ■Mil