August 2005

Vol.1 Issue 11

 

 

The Downbeat

Phi Mu Alpha’s New “Bids”

Sound of the South Preview- Are You Ready?

Trojan Summer Music Games

Q & A: Eli Odum

Conclave 2005

Organization: A Key to Success

Troy University Comes Full-Circle as “One School”

Notes in the Key of Troy

“My Idea of a Good Sinfonian”, Part Two

High Notes

Alumni In The News

Link Dump

Troy Happenings

 

 

 

 

 


Frank Miles, Tattler Editor

 

 


Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

 

 

Phil Wilson, Tattler Staff

 

 

Tommy House, Tattler Webmaster

 

 

Not Pictured:
Travis Bryant

The Downbeat

Frank Miles, Tattler Editor

Welcome to the biggest Sinfonian Tattler ever!  We don’t have any statistical proof to back that up, but it feels like this issue is packed with more information than any other.

 

First of all, if you’re an online auction junkie, we’ll tell you where you can find some fraternal merchandise.  We’ll also explore some reasons behind Troy University’s name change and we’ll give you a glimpse of what to expect from the Sound of the South this season.

 

Part 2 of My Idea of a Good Sinfonian will tell us how to reach our potential and we’ll learn how alumni dues are spent “for the good of the order.”  We’ll look in on a group who made the journey to Evansville to become better leaders.  And, of course, we’ll catch up with some of our long lost brothers.  The moon is turning into a football, and the Sinfonian Tattler is ready to kick-off!

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Phi Mu Alpha’s New “Bids”

Travis Bryant, Tattler Staff

At one time, the only bids that Phi Mu Alpha was concerned with were the ones chapters handed out to prospective members after a few short interviews and one very loooooooong chapter meeting.  But that's not the case anymore.


Now there's eBay.


Over the past year, the number of fraternal items placed on the auction site has
increased immensely.  It is kind of fun to peruse the listings to see what is out there.  Lost your brother's pin?  You can find a new one; even a jeweled one.  There are song books to be bought and long lost black and white photos.  Not to mention pillows, paddles and pens.  Even the occasional hand-tooled-brother-inspired item makes the online catalog.  Lyrecrest even got in on the action last year and sold the bar that was downstairs for so many years!


If you're a member of the national listserv, then you've no doubt read up on some of the opinions of the selling of such fraternal items.  Some are afraid that this, at worst, will let the mystic cat out of the bag and litter the streets with our fraternal secrets.  Or at best, just manages to cheapen the meaning of fraternity.


We at the Tat are calling it either way.  That's a discussion for the listservs.  We just want you to know that it is all out there.  Because if there is one thing we are sure of, it's that all of this stuff would be a lot better off at home, under a brother's roof; someone who gets it, who understands and can enjoy all of the hidden symbolic meaning.


(EDITOR’S NOTE: Travis has lost every eBay auction he has ever participated in.)

 

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Are You Ready?

Phil Wilson, Tattler Staff

 

The city of Troy has been quiet these last few months, but soon that all too familiar sound will be filling the airways demanding the attention of citizens and area alumni.  You know what sound I am talking about… The Sound of the South.

 

Fans will be treated to the sounds of Latin jazz as the Sound of the South presents another season of great music.  The band will offer some spicy flair to the audience with its opener “La Virgin de la Macarena” followed by several other Latin charts arranged by Ralph Ford.  And just when we are learning to do the Cha Cha, the band will hit us with something else we can dance to.  The second show will be an R&B show, and will definitely delight audiences.

 

Not only will our ears be gratified, but our eyes will be, too.  The band will be decked out in new jackets and the helmets will be sporting a new plume.  Check out this link for a glimpse of the new uniform.

http://www.soundofthesouth.org/uniforms/index.htm

 

This year’s homecoming is a special one as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Sound of the South.  Alumni of Troy State University will be traveling back “home” to celebrate and bring the original Sound back to town.  Please make plans to join the alumni band on Nov. 5, 2005.  Mark Walker, Assistant Director of Bands, asks for alumni help by paying your alumni dues, participating in alumni band and continuing to support the Sound of the South.  We look forward to seeing all Iota Nu alumni and sharing in some brotherhood as we cheer on the Trojans.  For more information about homecoming and the John M. Long School of Music, check out the website.

http://music.troy.edu/

 

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Trojan Summer Music Games
Troy Russell, IN, Special to the Tat

 

Thanks to a newly renovated stadium and a renowned music program, Drum Corps International returned to Troy on July 26 to take part in the DCI Trojan Summer Music Games.

 

Eight of the finest drum corps in the world took part in the games: Cavaliers, Blue Devils, Spirit of JSU, Carolina Crown, Colts, Troopers, Kiwanis Kavaliers and Mandarins.  The corps, classified by DCI as Division I corps, can have up to 135 members and are considered to be of the highest performance quality.

 

The best of the best that night were the Cavaliers.

 

When Division I drum corps go on tour for the summer they must travel as a self-sustaining entity.  Division I corps generally travel with three to five charter buses for members and staff, at least one equipment trailer, a food trailer and support staff.  When corps attend a competition they are usually provided a place to sleep and shower, a place to hook up their food trailer, practice facilities and even laundry facilities.  Coordinating all these amenities for eight Division I corps, in addition to coordinating the competition itself, is a monumental task.  When Troy University began to undertake this task they turned to the local chapters of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, Sigma Alpha Iota and Tau Beta Sigma for assistance.

 

Brothers of the Iota Nu Chapter were excited to be able to help make the Trojan Summer Music Games a success.  Brothers volunteered in many various positions from concession stand workers to score tabulators to the field workers that escorted the corps to and from the stadium.  In return for their hard work the proceeds from the concession stands at the competition were split among the four organizations that volunteered.  The proceeds from ticket sales went to benefit Troy University bands.

 

The brothers of the Iota Nu Chapter realize that organizations such as DCI help to promote “the advancement of music in America,” and it is for this reason the Iota Nu Chapter will continue to volunteer at events such as the Trojan Summer Music Games.

 

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Q & A: Eli Odum

Phil Wilson, Tattler Staff

The year was 1997, the class was the Alpha Delta Delta Betas (otherwise know as the ADDBs), and the brother is Eli Odum. You may not remember what the service project was, or even what songs were performed on their recital, but I am sure you will remember the stunts pulled as you read this months’ alumni spotlight. Get reacquainted with Eli Odum.

 

Tat:  Please tell us where you are originally from and what drew you to Troy State.
Eli: 
I was born in the small northeast Georgia town of Clarkesville.  I grew up around there and in the Atlanta area as we moved a good bit, finally settling back down in Clarkesville.

 

I attended Habersham Central High School and had an awesome band director by the name of Nelson Payne.  Mr. Payne always made band a lot of fun and very classy as well, and around my junior year of high school I decided that’s what I wanted to do.  So I checked into a few of the big schools in the north Georgia area, but never found anything that worked for me.

So I asked about his old alma mater, Jacksonville State!  And guess where he recommended I go…good old Troy State.  I guess that makes two great band directors to come out of Jax State and prefer Troy State, if you know who else I’m referring to.  An assistant coach at my high school formerly worked at TSU (he actually returned while I was there) and helped me get in touch with the right people, and the rest is history.

Tat:  How would you rate your
TSU experience?
Eli:  I had a blast.  Wish I hadn’t taken out so much in student loans, but that’s life.  I really learned a lot about music and about life (real life and “social” life).  From Long Hall to The House of Goodness, a lot changed in me in those three and a half years.  I didn’t finish, but I also came to the conclusion that I wouldn’t want to be a band director anymore.  But my great musical experiences at
TSU lent to furthering my musical career anyway, so all was not lost!

Tat:  What appealed to you about Phi Mu Alpha that made you want to become a member?
Eli: 
Well, in all honesty, the whole college experience was my main reason to look into a fraternity.  I felt I should be involved in one, although I had no idea what they are really about.  Phi Mu Alpha made the most sense.  I didn’t want to be a huge partier for four years, and I knew I couldn’t afford the outrageous social dues.  Plus, I wanted something that related to my ultimate goals, and that was and still is Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.  I really love the goals of supporting American music in
America (no, that’s not rhetorical), and still having a good time doing it.  Oh, and Chuck Maguire wouldn’t let me back out.  LOL.

Tat: What year were you initiated? What is the greatest memory you have from that period?
Eli: 
I am a member of
ADDB, IN ’97.  And I would have to say that MY favorite memory from that period is simple.  Anyone remember when that certain brother (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent) road tripped himself to Dothan, walked from the old north Wal-Mart to Krispy Kreme, and hand-cuffed himself to the table outside Checkers, in hopes that his pledge bro’s wouldn’t let him down?  And we all showed up, even sick Travis (who I vividly remember beating me on the head several times with a sprite bottle).

Oh, there was also a time when a certain other brother (who may or may not be in charge of this column) had a run in with Bambi…

Tat:  Are you able to implement the ideals that are taught in Phi Mu Alpha. If so, how are you able to do so?
Eli: 
I am out all over the country with my current band, The Ranchhands.  We are performing original music that we have written, along with country and rock songs written by other American composers.  We are also spreading our music to other parts of the world, as we have a decent following in a few European countries.  We strive to put out the best every time, not just to be out there making money playing crap.  Everyone in this group loves what we do and it’s a part of our lives, to make great music for people who love great music.

Tat: What is your current occupation?
Eli: 
Occupation?  Well, I currently am occupying a hotel room in
Grand Forks, ND, and tomorrow it will be a cheap little motel room in Bismarck.  This band is my primary source of revenue.  But I do occasionally write for Jalen Publishing still, but not as frequently as I would love to.  Gotta work on that.  But in general, making good music is my occupation.

Tat: Tell us more about the band that you are a part of.
Eli: We are The Ranchhands, based out of
Nashville, Tenn.  We have an album out currently titled “Back Home.”  It’s not something you’ll find at Wal-Mart, but it is pretty darn good (even though it was recorded before I joined the band).

Since I joined these guys in March of 2005, I have been from Jersey to Jackson Hole, Wyo. and from Tulsa to just south of Canada.  And we are going to be in Europe for six weeks this summer (I can’t wait!).  We have even done shows along side some pretty big names already, including George Jones, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, The Charlie Daniels Band, and many others (including my personal favorite, Joe Diffie).

You never know if we will be (or have been) in your area.  Check us out at www.theranchhands.com for a complete list of tour dates, always being updated.  Our CD can also be listened to and ordered off of there.

Tat:  What is the best part about this job?
Eli: 
To me, the best thing is that I do what I love, and make a relatively good living at it.  Anytime you can make money of any sort by making music, you’ve accomplished something, and when you can support your life doing it, and comfortably, you really have a good thing going on.  But even better than that, meeting new friends from all over the world and seeing them again because they love what you do is truly a blessing.

Tat: Any shout outs?
Eli:  Oh lord, shout outs…I know I’ll leave someone out, but what-the-hay!

Phil, you have always been a great friend, and a true Sinfonian.

Scerb, keep up the good work on this thing!  I’m lovin’ it!

To all my ADDBs, where are you guys at now?

To my big bro, Russell Rutland, you’re the best, good buddy.  Hope life is treating you well.

To Larry Wells, Chad Turner, Michael Bird, and all the rest from the House of Wood...where the hell is Vince Jackson?!?  :-D

And to everyone else reading this, Hail Phi!  Hail Mu!  Hail Alpha!  Hell Yeah!

 

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Conclave 2005. Different. Better.

Frank Miles, Tattler Staff

 

It had been a few years since the national fraternity offered a leadership conclave for its members, but it was worth it.

 

The theme was “Different. Better.”  And it was.

 

More than 170 Sinfonians, collegiate and alumni alike, swarmed the campus of the University of Southern Indiana in July to take part in the conclave.  There was music, brotherhood and education.  Oh yeah, and the delicious food that only Marriot can bring to the table.

 

 

 

 

Province 34 was well-represented by three chapters: Pi Sigma, Delta Beta and Iota Nu.  The Trojan contingent was the largest as Justin Amaro, John Mitcham, Troy Russell, John Phillips, Jim Brasher and Frank Miles made the trek to Evansville.  There are stories to tell, but let’s just say we all had a good time.

 

Since developing leadership was the main focus of the event, two heavy-hitting motivational speakers were brought in to present strategies for effective leadership.  John Spence, who has consulted Fortune 100 companies, and Michael Poll, who has spoken on campuses across the nation, really hammered home the importance of setting goals and formulating a plan.  Elaine Penn, also popular with the college crowd, brought her brand of motivation which entails team building, diversity, stress management and peak performance.

 

The highlight for many attendees, though, was the presentation by a Sinfonian.  John Mongiovi, Upsilon Psi, conveyed the “Message of the Ritual,” delving into the deepest meanings and symbols portrayed in the Ritual.  If you haven’t seen it and you get the opportunity, do not miss it.  It is inspirational, to say the least.

 

Province Governors and Alumni Coordinators also engaged in meetings at the conclave and worked hard to formulate a plan for getting alumni reconnected to the fraternity.  You’ll be hearing much more concerning alumni involvement in the future.

All in all, the conclave was extremely educational and, more importantly, extremely fraternal.  For more information on the speakers, click the following links:

www.johnspence.com

www.leadersmakeithappen.com

www.elainepenn.com

 

(View More Conclave 2005 Photos Here)

 

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Organization: A Key to Success

A Conversation with Dan Krueger, Director of Alumni Affairs

Travis Bryant, Tattler Staff

 

If you get enough alumni brothers together it won't be long before the fellas start talking about... organizing!  Face it, it's in our Sinfonia-blazed blood to want to streamline things and make it all as efficient as possible.  Not too mention worthwhile.  As active alumni discussions pop-up more frequently in chat rooms, on discussion boards and in workshops we thought we'd find out what the pros at Lyrecrest were cooking.

 

Organized alumni groups are nothing new to Phi Mu Alpha.  They've been around for as long as Jim Brasher can remember (I'll let someone else do the math!).  And there are two flavors still popular among "the old guys" – alumni clubs and alumni associations. 

 

Daniel KruegerAssociations and clubs hold equal ground in the area of importance, said Daniel Krueger (Xi Pi '96), Director of Alumni Affairs.  "In large metropolitan areas, associations make sense because of the likelihood that a large representation of Sinfonians live there and can sustain such a group,” Dan said.  “Alumni clubs are there for alumni that choose to continue the alumni experience of Sinfonia with brothers of their initiating chapter.

 

“A central group that live in the area usually organize it and communicate through the use of e-mail and message boards.  They both serve the purpose of fulfilling a desire to interact with each other, so neither is better than the other."

 

Krueger says that the set-up for the two types of groups is intentional: alumni clubs, consisting of alumni from one chapter only, and alumni associations, grouping together brothers from any chapter.  "If twelve brothers are living in an area, but were initiated at different chapters, having the option to organize through an association makes sense," Dan said.  "It can be difficult to find the needed amount of people from the same chapter living within a given radius.  The chance that something can be organized that is open to anyone will have a greater rate of success."

 

Of course, as with anything of worth, there is a cost involved.  For a group of alumni to form an association they must first petition the guys in Evansville.  This carries a petition fee of $100.  If approved and the process is completed, all alumni association members are then subject to $40 annual national dues.  Krueger says, in a viable and living organization, it's not hard to connect the dots to see where and why the money is needed. 

 

"The petition fee can be justified in the following ways: 1.) Copies produced for the Commission on Standards to the petition for approval (hopefully).  2.) Time needed to run all contact information and make sure that it is up-to-date in the Fraternity's

database.  3.) Cost of producing, framing and mailing a charter to the group." 

 

He said the alumni dues are just as valuable.  "The $40 alumni dues is a commitment that the members are making to help the Fraternity with its everyday operational costs,” Dan said.  "By paying dues, members are guaranteed an annual subscription to our national publication, The Sinfonian.  In addition, associations receive quarterly mailings with information that pertains to them and the Fraternity."

 

Such strong guidelines and organization have lead to some impressive alumni groups popping up around the country, all gathering together for food, drink and brotherhood. “We currently have seven active alumni associations," Krueger said. "They exist in Washington D.C., Dallas/Fort Worth, Philadelphia, Central Florida, Coastal Georgia, Central Ohio and New York (Central Ohio and New York were just chartered June 2005).  Each group averages around 15-20 members."

 

Many of these groups hold performances or do public service type events.  But all of them do what they can to foster brotherhood and fulfill their roll as alumni Sinfonians.  It is this level of activity that Krueger says is hard to measure.

 

"To give a number of active alumni is difficult because active can be defined in many ways," he said.  "Someone could be considered active because he is on the NEC, while someone else is an annual donor to the Sinfonia Educational Foundation.  Without specific guidelines, ‘active’ is somewhat vague."

 

If you would like more information about what some of the alumni associations around America are doing, check out the national roster (http://www.sinfonia.org/Directory/alumniassociations.asp) and then click around a couple of their Web sites.  But be warned, you may just be inspired to stand up and get the ball rolling wherever you are!

 

DC Area: http://www.groomes.net/dcalumni/

NY Area: http://www.nysinfonia.org/

 

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Troy University Comes Full-Circle as “One School

Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

 

“Cheers to ole Troy State, we are with you all the way...”

 

“Our Vows of love, our vows of faith, Troy State we say to thee...”

 

How many times in Collegiate Singers, band, or Phi Mu Alpha did we sing those lines, so relevant to our fraternal obligation of loyalty to the Alma Mater?

 

Starting Aug. 1, these lines will no longer be sung around Troy or at the university’s sporting events.  In case you didn’t know, the TSU Board of Directors voted two years ago to change the name Troy State University to Troy University.  Back in 1998, Troy State tried to change its name to Alabama Southern University, completely taking Troy out of the equation.  The students were quick to rally against the name change due to loss of school spirit.  But with this new change, there was no such rally.  Students and faculty alike can see the name as a catalyst for growth.  Troy State is now Troy University. It even sounds more prestigious.  Well, in my opinion. 

 

Text Box: Feb. 26, 1887 – State Normal School Troy
1893 – Troy State Normal School
1929 – Troy State Teachers College
1957 – Troy State College
Dec. 14, 1967 – Troy State University
Aug. 1, 2005 – Troy University

Why did we have to change the name?  What was wrong with Troy State?  There are many reasons for the change.  Troy University was originally called State Normal School Troy.  That named has evolved into Troy State Normal College, Troy State College, Troy State University and Troy University. With the new name comes more private funding.  People generally assume that if “State” is in the name that the school gets more funding from the state of Alabama.  This is untrue; it gets the same amount as the other public universities.  Also, having the word “State” in the name develops the perception in some people that Troy is a 2nd or 3rd tier school.

 

The name change brings with it new accreditation.  Right now each campus is separately accredited.  It is hard and frustrating for a student to transfer from one campus to another under the old system.  One campus may offer classes that Text Box: Alma Mater
Troy:  A Beacon to the World
By Ralph Ford & Robert W. Smith

Upon the mighty walls of TROY,
We meet our life-long friends.
To grow in Knowledge, Truth and Strength,
Our journey never ends.

With the promise of the future,
And the guidance of the past.
We pledge our solemn vow to thee,
Loyal everlast.

So raise our mighty Trojan sword,
A beacon to the world.
Throughout the ages brightly shines,
The guiding light of TROY.

the other does not.  With the new system, Troy will be a seamless university.  Students will be able to flow in and out of campuses with ease and without worrying whether or not their classes will transfer to another campus.  Overall the name change will bring on many changes for the University System.  Some will be rough at the beginning, but Troy is taking the necessary steps to compete in Alabama and the world as a nationally “ranked” Division 1 school.

 

Some of us alumni might not like the change, and some may feel like we are getting ripped off because the new name renders the Troy State paraphernalia we own useless.  But let’s instead think of it as gaining confidence that Troy will strive to excel in academics, athletics, band and many other arenas so that when we come back to our Alma Mater we can be proud of what is happening; proud to boast that “I went to TROY.”

 

“This is a momentous day in the life of our University,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Troy University Chancellor.  “It will signify that Troy University is a single entity with a single purpose – providing top-quality education to students who wish to excel in a globally competitive world.”

 

 

EXTRA: Troy University Family Celebrates Beginning of New Era

Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

An academic convocation was held at the Davis Theater for the Performing Arts in Montgomery on July 29, complete with a processional of more than 400 robed faculty members, staff (including me) and students from around the world.  The convocation was highlighted by the presentation of a new university mace and chancellor’s medallion.   A new Alma Mater, written by two alumni of Troy and Iota Nu, Director of Bands Ralph Ford and former Director of Bands Robert W. Smith, was also debuted.

 

A reception was held for the University family and friends which included introduction of special guests, remarks from the Chancellor, the playing of a new video presentation to mark the occasion and a ceremonial toast.  Music was provided by a 20-piece band, including vocalists, composed of Troy students and alumni and led by Ray Smith (IN) of the Long School of Music.

 

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Notes in the Key of Troy
Jacob Rasberry, IN Alumni Secretary

As most of you know, August marks the beginning of a new school year.  At the moment we are preparing for a wonderful year.  Soon, band camp will begin and we will get to meet a host of new students and possible new Sinfonians.  Our membership committee will be hard at work to try and foster a great educational program for our upcoming probationary members and also work to recruit some new members to help push our Fraternity into the next generation.

 

A group of brothers went to Conclave this summer in Evansville.  This was a mass gathering of Sinfonians from around the country to discuss all the issues going on with our Fraternity, and also give some training to some of our members.  One of the biggest topics on the agenda that the national officers are pushing is alumni involvement.  They created a survey that will help them to find out if their records are accurate:

 

http://www.sinfonia.org/Surveys/TakeSurvey.asp?SurveyID=3M0893KM6925G  

 

I encourage all alumni to take this survey.  It only takes about five minutes.

 

With visions of a great year in Sinfonia,

Jacob W. Rasberry

IN’03

Alumni Secretary

jacob.rasberry@gmail.com

(205) 217-6023

 

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”My Idea of a Good Sinfonian” Part Two

Frank Miles, Tattler Staff

 

Are You Living the Virtues on a Daily Basis?

 

Last month, we presented to you the winning essay in a 1924 chapter contest called “My Idea of a Good Sinfonian.”  As we all know, however, there are many interpretations of what a good Sinfonian is across our vastly diverse fraternity.  Such being the case, we now present the essay that was awarded second place.  We think you’ll agree it could have just as easily won.

 

My Idea of a Good Sinfonian

Sidney Silber, Rho Chapter

From the May 1924 issue of The Sinfonian

Second PlaceRho Chapter Essay Contest

 

My idea of a good SINFONIAN is precisely that enjoined upon us during the initiatory ceremony.  An individual who expresses, in daily life, the qualities for which each letter of SINFONIA is a symbol as well as the quality for which the letter H- stands, will not only be or become a manly musician or a musicianly man, but he will prove a most useful and valuable citizen of the best American spirit, a true friend, in deed or need, and an altogether praiseworthy person whose life will meet and radiate the highest ethical and religious tests.  To be or become a good SINFONIAN, then, is no small order!  It is possible to have many or all of the potentialities of a good SINFONIAN; but only life and the intimate social and professional contact with fellow-SINFONIANS and fellow-men will enable one to become in fact a good SINFONIAN – thus developing those feelings expressed in acts of sincerity, dignity, grandeur and all high character to which only the choicest souls dedicate their lives.

 

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You know of any weddings, births, or achievements, please send them our way.  We would love to show other brothers what you have done!

 

Membership Up – According to Executive Director Ryan Ripperton, the current number of active chapters in Phi Mu Alpha is 212 which comprise more than 5,000 collegiate members.  That’s a 25 percent increase over the last 10 years.  (Just in case you are wondering – there are 100,000 living alumni.  Imagine what we could do if they were all active Sinfonians!)

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Alumni In The News…

 

 

Students battle heat index at marching band camp

Kim Lewis

Ledger Staff Writer

Friday, July 29, 2005


It’s that time of the year again, when the Enterprise High School Big Blue Marching Band gathers at the band practice field for a week of hard work and extreme heat - it’s time for band camp.

 

The band, under the direction of Charlie Ford, started camp on Monday and will end its pre-season practice sessions next Tuesday.

 

When the approximately 170-person band takes the field this fall, it will be performing a show of jazz tunes led by returning drum major Ashley Hayes and first-year drum major Daniel Anderson.

 

Spectators can expect to hear "Blue Light Red Light" made popular by Harry Connick Jr., "Moondance" by Van Morrison, "Birdland" made popular by Manhattan Transfer and a drum solo feature.

 

"We have a lot of work to do this week," Ford said, adding the percussion section, the color guard and danceline have already completed individual camps this summer that went exceptionally well.

 

"The danceline also just returned from Daytona where they participated in a Universal Dance Association camp and won fourth place overall," he said.

 

The marching band entertains the crowd during pre-game ceremonies and during half-time of the Wildcat football games, participates in several parades, and will compete in several competitions before marching band season concludes.

 

During the camp, band members practice from 8 until 11:30a.m., from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m., and from 6 until 9 p.m. almost every day.

 

Though band camp plays a major part in how the band learns its show, the camp also gives the students and instructors time to bond.

 

Ford thanked assistant band directors Jason Smith, Rob Grice, Dayna Newsome and Suzanne Markel, danceline instructor Linda Page and color guard instructor Sherry McCormick for their hard work and help with the show.

 

Battling extreme temperatures yesterday morning, the band was running through its drills at times without playing and without the glitz of the flags and uniforms.

 

According to Ford, the instructors and drum majors use this exercise to help see what the band member’s bodies are doing, checking all angles to make sure the members are synchronized.

"It is going well so far," Ford said.

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Travis Bryant , Tattler Staff

Welcome to da’dump! Each month Tattler staffers scour the web and lurk in dark corners to find cool and fun stuff. From here you’ll get a glimpse into what is going on and who is doing it. And anything and everything is fair game. So if you know of something cool and neat that folks should check out send it to us and we’ll see if it fits the program!

Email Travis Bryant with your cool link.

Greetings from the dump!

I'm going to recommend something here that I normally wouldn't – sign up for the Rhapsody music service.  Yes, it's a commercial deal.  But you're only charged when you buy.  Most of the time, you can poke around and hear snippets of tunes.  But on the first of every month, you get a pass to listen to any 25 songs and 25 radio stations streamed free to your computer.  That means any tune they have you get to hear the whole thing.  Then next month listen to some more.  And if you have $11, check out Total Recorder shareware.  It's a super simple program that let's you record anything streamed to your machine!  Good quality too.
http://www.rhapsody.com/

This next stop will help you put some twang in your tunes!
True, for most of the country music samples and loops here you have to register, and some you have to pay for.  But there are plenty of freebies, too, with more being added every month.  So git to boot scootin'!
http://www.musiciansmedia.net/country.asp

For our last dump link this month, we want to pluck away on your funny bone.  Here's a site that offers hundreds of music inspired cartoons and funnies.  You can cut and paste into emails to send to friends or they even offer a service to put your fave on a t-shirt or mug.
http://www.offthemark.com/music/music.htm

 

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Scott Erb , Tattler Staff

General Info:
Do you want to know more about what is going on at your university, your alma mater? Click on the following link to subscribe to many listservs to keep you updated on events, athletics, radio and much more.
https://it.troy.edu/


SOTS Band Camp – August 7th(percussion & auxiliaries),

14th (Returning Members)
First Day of Fall Classes – August 22nd

 


Football Games

Sept. 3 – Poly Cal. Vs. Troy – Home

Sept. 10 – UAB vs. Troy – Home

 

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