By Pauline Dagaas
Choir members practice for upcoming events. Photo by: Pauline Dagaas
Though Memorial Day is still several months away, the PHS band and choir members eagerly await the holiday as they plan to perform in the national celebrations held in Washington D.C. to commemorate the occasion.
Having earned a spot in the top 5 in Regionals, Semi-State, and the finals at the state competition, the PHS Marching Band has faced many successes this year alone and have been recognized for their dedication and well-done performances. Along with recognition, however, comes great opportunity. As of recently, this group of students has been chosen to represent the state of Indiana in Washington D.C. and as a result, will be marching down Capital Avenue in the annual National Parade.“Mr. Condon and I both received invitations inviting the Pride of Plymouth to represent Indiana in the parade. These invitations came shortly after our performance in the ISSMA Marching Band State Final,” says Band Director Mr. Ames. “Out of all schools representing four classes of competition, Plymouth was the only new band at state finals this year. Every other band at finals had been there previously,” he further comments. The students are, of course, more than happy to welcome the experience and are proud of their prestigious achievement. “It’s a great accomplishment,” comments Sophomore band member Traci Longanecker. “I hope they [the audience] enjoy us coming down there to march for them,” she adds. Also proud of their hard work is Sophomore Casey McDonald. “I think it’s awesome because only one school in Indiana gets to go each year!” she said.
Accompanying them on this trip, will be Plymouth’s Crimson Connection (also representing the state), who in addition, will be performing musical numbers for the special occasion in front of one of the memorials or monuments in D.C. (location has not been finalized). Though the choir rarely competes, (with the exception of Solo and Ensemble), it can be easily said that these students hold a passion for music and understand the concept of “working as a team.” In turn, the two concepts combined are reflected in their talented singing abilities. “We are all very involved and love music and for the most part, get along very well,” Sophomore choir member Morgan O’Neal believes.
This opportunity, however, has also served as a learning experience. According to O’Neal, it has not only further opened her mind to this art but has also provided her a more positive outlook on life. “It made me realize what we, as a school, are capable of,” she says. Senior Taylor May agrees. “Even small schools can do something big.” Similar to the members of the band, the choir hopes to please their audiences both, musically and patriotically. Junior Priscilla Hammonds, a first soprano, proudly states, “I hope the audience will feel the sense of pride I feel for my country.” And while this emotion does hold mutual among this group of students, Junior Tenor Tyler Switzer cannot help but humorously add, “I also want the audience to know that Indiana offers a lot more than corn.”
Undoubtedly, there is excitement among students, and planning for the occasion has already begun. The students will depart on Friday (of Memorial Day Weekend) on chartered buses and will return in time for final exams. Their trip will also include sightseeing throughout the capital with visits to the Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall,and the Smithsonian Museums. “This trip will be very educational for all of the students involved,” Mr. Ames believes. In detail, students will also be having a celebration on a cruise for the night, which will include a dinner and dancing, and other various fun-filled events. The trip, however will be costly, with expenses reaching around 500-600 dollars per student. “Raising the money is what I’m most worried about,” says Freshman Gianella Cerriteno. Fortunately, fundraising events are currently being arranged to help pay costs and make the trip more affordable for students. Events include a fruit sale which will take place later this month.
Yet regardless of such finances, the PHS Band and Choir stand determined to make ends meet and are proud of their accomplishment, as they await their national debut in Washington D.C..