Posted on Thu, Sep. 30, 2004
'Sounds of Simon' - Simon's songs get spirited salute
Show spotlights singer-songwriter's top tunes.
By Charlie Roduta
of The News-Sentinel
West Noble High School's Marching Charger Brigade aims to present another crowd-pleasing show for its audience this year.
The 21-member band will play tribute to singer-songwriter Paul Simon, following up last year's performance saluting The Blues Brothers.
"For a long time, the band program has been struggling," director Bryan Shidler said. "We're trying to get interest in the group by showing that we have a lot of fun and that the music is enjoyable."
"Sounds of Simon" includes some of Simon's most notable works, such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "You Can Call Me Al" and "The Sounds of Silence."
The chance to play engaging tunes is a big draw, Shidler said. The Charger Brigade has endured large turnovers of its membership in past years, Shidler said, making it difficult to build a solid group.
Shidler is hopeful this year's group will be the one to stem that tide.
"We have had a better attitude this year," he said. "The kids are a bit more positive, and they are really working harder this year."
Shidler, who also teaches music and band at West Noble Middle School, believes his group has a chance to earn a Division I rating, one of his goals for the year. In the past three years, the Charger Brigade has received either a Division II or III rating.
Soloists include Kory Miller on the trombone; Felicia Mullins on the piccolo; Ryan Birch on the clarinet; and Juan Liera and James Walter on the trumpet.
West Noble Charger Brigade - ISSMA Class C
Director: Bryan Shidler, 3 years
Assistant director: Carrie Piggot, 1 year
Total members: 21
Drum majors:
Laura Messer
Summary of show:
The Marching Charger Brigade's "Sounds of Simon" celebrates the music of Paul Simon and features such hits as "Bridge over Troubled Water," "You Can Call Me Al," "Still Crazy After All These Years," "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," "Late in the Evening," and "The Sounds of Silence."
Awards/titles:
Recent ISSMA district division ratings: III, 2003; II, 2001-02
Upcoming shows:
Oct. 2: ISSMA District at Northrop
Oct. 16: ISSMA Regional, Carmel
Oct. 23: ISSMA state finals at RCA Dome, Indianapolis
The band
Number of names on roster may fluctuate due to changes in personnel or injuries during the marching band season.
Drum major
Laura Messer
Flute
Felicia Mullins
Clarinet
Ryan Birch
Tenor Sax
Josh Hicks
Trombone
Kory Miller
Trumpet
Juan Liera
James Walter
Percussion
Damon Kelley
Jonathan Pfenning
Josiah Pfenning
Jonathan Phillips
Alex Easterday
Pit percussion
Elizabeth Buchanan
Color guard
Amanda Hicks
Stephanie Lamar
Krystal Lehman
Tabitha Messer
Mallorie Minnick
Ashley Peak
Haylee Stansel
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