October 2005

Vol.2  Issue 1

 

 

The Downbeat

Strike Up The Band, Castro!

What’s My Part?

Q&A: John Paul Jones

Brasherfest 2005

A Brewing Debate

Memory Lane: Johnny Brewer

High Notes

The Link Dump

Calendar/Events

 

 

 

Frank Miles, Tattler Editor

frank@sinfoniantattler.com

 

 

Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

scott@sinfoniantattler.com

 

 

Phil Wilson, Tattler Staff

phil@sinfoniantattler.com

 

 

Tommy House, Tattler Webmaster

tommy@sinfoniantattler.com

 

 

Not Pictured:
Travis Bryant, Tattler Staff

travis@sinfoniantattler.com

 

The Downbeat

 

Frank Miles, Tattler Editor

 

 

Ahoy, matey!  Time to sail through the waters of the Sinfonian Tattler once again, and to help us do so we’ve enlisted the expertise of one famous naval captain (at least, some folks think he is).

 

We’ll also sail across the Gulf with a musical “doctor” to an island not far from Florida, yet a world away.  And we’ll give you a sneak peek at the most happening event of this year’s homecoming.  Read all this and the usual bits and pieces you’ve come to expect from the Sinfonian Tattler in the first issue of our second year!

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Strike Up The Band, Castro!

Scott Erb and Frank Miles, Tattler Staff

 

“I am so grateful that God has made this opportunity for me to share my faith AND my music with these wonderful people!”

 

If you could perform music anywhere in the world, where would you go?  Well for one Sinfonian, the answer is Cuba.  David Kirby (IN ’74), Doc as we all know him, has accepted the challenge of playing for a musical missionary group in Cuba (Oct. 24-Nov. 2).  This is the third time Doc has made the trip, and he feels it’s his calling.

“As my wife said, it was the mission trip I had been born to do,” Doc said.

 

Doc’s brother Steve, a minister in Tampa, Fla., unveiled the opportunity for Doc to join a group of musicians, who were traveling to Cuba in March, 2004.  I volunteered to go, not dreaming they would actually have room for me (as he has 100 in his church orchestra),” Doc said.  “But only a few could come up with the $1,600 in time.  After I committed in January, our dad suggested that Steve invite (our brother) Dennis (IN ’97), too.  Which he did, and we went together as part of a 17-person team.”

That first trip celebrated the centennial of the National Concert Band of Cuba.  “(We played) a major concert in the National Auditorium in Havana and the next day on their regular Friday afternoon concert on the main square in Old Havana, next to the former governor's mansion, which is now a museum.  We also played for four Havana churches during their services.

 

“The second trip, which was October, 2004, gave us the opportunity to hold a nationwide instrumental exposition.  We had over 300 musicians there, with some traveling as long as 18 hours on a train to attend.  We gave them music and taught master classes (you should have heard us do Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" with my brass class!).  We will hold another similar series of classes this trip.”

 

Were the Kirbys really ready to venture to unfamiliar territory, not knowing how they would be received?  Doc says yes.

 

“We felt God had prepared us musically through our training, including at Troy, and spiritually to be short-term missionaries.”

 

And the mission carries two messages.

 

“Well, our trip is officially sponsored by the Baptist Convention of West Cuba, so we go in as missionaries and performers,” said Doc.  “We are first of all Christians who are also musicians, so we relate to the national musicians on both levels.  Not everyone we meet there is Christian, so in those cases we are just American musicians who happen to be Christians, and when they ask about God we talk to them.”

As Doc prepares to undertake this pilgrimage, he says there are some things that brothers could do to help.

 

“We can take musical equipment and old concert band arrangements to the National Concert Band, because they have no budget and are playing off bootleg copies of American charts or the original Spanish arrangements, hand-written on decaying manuscript paper from 100 years ago,” Doc said.  “We also take reeds, valve oil, etc. to individual musicians (because they can't afford it even if it was available).  And, of course, money to pay for the trip.  I've been saving money from performing weddings and funerals and revivals for my mission trip, but it's still expensive.  And we've just discovered we can't fly charter out of Miami this time, which will add to the expense as we might have to go to Puerto Rico or Cancun first then to Havana.”

 

Though the challenges are great, Doc couldn’t be happier to face them.

 

“As a musician, to be immersed in this culture of music is out-of-this world (imagine live music every single place you go); as a Christian, to interact with people who weren't allowed by the government up to 10 years ago to admit they were believers is a humbling experience.  The people there have so little materially, but they are so generous and loving.  I wish we could bring the National Band of Cuba here to the States for a concert tour!”

 

Good luck Doc, and don’t forget the cigars!

 

(Special note from Doc:  You might write your Congress people and encourage them to end the U.S. embargo while we can still influence what will happen after Castro eventually dies.  Thanks for being interested in this series of trips.  I'm proud to be a Sinfonian, and glad 31 years after first becoming a brother that I can continue to encourage music and musicians, even in other countries!

Dave (Doc) Kirby, IN 1974)

 

The National Concert Band of Cuba, from Havana, is playing on 100-year-old music except for what we take with us. If you have any concert music (grade 4 and up) or stage band arrangements you will never use, please consider donating it to:

 

Global Missions Project
3745 Cherokee St NW
Suite 903

Kennesaw, GA 30144

 

The Cubans can't buy from American companies, and they have no money, either.  The members of the National Band make $16 a month U.S., as opposed to teachers who make $4 a month U.S.  Soloists get an additional $2 a month and the director makes $30 a month (plastic surgeons make $32; is it any wonder that Cuba has the highest per capita of professional musicians, 20 percent, of any country in the world?)

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What’s My Part?

Phil Wilson, Tattler Staff

 

There is an old saying that goes “It takes a village to raise a child,” and I believe this saying to be true.  My parents would always tell my brothers and me stories about how their entire neighborhood had a hand in raising them.  They would tell us about getting in trouble at school and having to face not just one set of parents, but several of the neighborhood parents as well.  Times have certainly changed.  Today, if you even look at a child in a scolding way some parents are ready to fight, and I literally mean fight.

 

There also used to be a time when the entire neighborhood took an interest in the general education of children.  They would volunteer at the local schools, assist children with homework and offer encouraging words whenever and wherever needed, but this doesn’t seem to be much the case anymore.  We have become so involved with everything else that we expect teachers to carry the burden of educating our children.  As we all know, learning doesn’t stop just because the afternoon bell rings.  In most cases, the learning is just beginning.  It is so important for parents to set aside a time when extra learning at home occurs.  This includes assisting children with homework, practicing an instrument together and even reading together.

 

As an elementary music educator, I see such a need for outside help in shaping musically talented students who can only get a music education from school.  These children are starving for more one-on-one help that I, as well as other music educators, cannot provide.  This is where you come in.  Music educators need you to help shape our future. (Before I go any further, I know that we all work more than 8 hours a day and are just beat when we get in, but there are other ways, outside of physically being there, of servicing students of music.)   What can you do?  I am so glad you asked.  Keep reading.

 

Volunteer

Music teachers are always in search of people who are proficient on their instrument to come into school and play in demonstration for students who play the same instrument, offer private lessons during class or after school, help judge tryouts for various events, or just play along with classes to boost the ensembles’ confidence level.  The same goes for vocalists.  I know of many band directors who can’t afford to pay every single person to come and help with band camp or throughout the year.  What a great gift you could give them by helping out when you can.  It would actually keep you in shape with your own instrument.  Your presence, as long as you are there to help and not to try and take over, is always greatly appreciated.

 

Slide a few coins

I know exactly what you are thinking.  Who has any extra money to give to a music program?  Five years ago, I would have been right there with you saying the same thing, but you will be surprised what $25.00 can do for a music program.  There are so many students whose families can’t afford things that others take for granted like the luxury of having several reeds for your instrument or even having the money to make the monthly payment on the instrument, but no money to keep it in its best playing condition.  By offering just a few bucks to your local music program, you are aiding students and teachers alike.  We all know of those music programs whose school equipment is barely hanging on, but each year the directors do their best to patch what they have in order to make their programs as successful as they can be.  Although $25 isn’t enough to actually buy a new instrument, it certainly is a start.  I have had parents donate a few dollars to my elementary program, and you won’t believe how grateful families who can barely afford to live are to have that little extra help.  So if you have a little, share.

 

Advocate: It’s your responsibility
This is something that everyone can do and it doesn’t cost you anything but a little air.  Find out what events your local music program is participating in and spread the word.  Let everyone and their grandma know about the activities!  Be a not-so-silent partner for the program and reap the benefits of educated musicians.  Not only should you spread the word, but you should also attend these performances.  Meet the director and talk about needs in the program and try and spread the word about those needs.  I have received offers for free pianos and drums and almost everything else, because I expressed a need to one person and they shared it with another.  We all know how that gossip circle works.

 

The object of Sinfonia is our call to duty to make sure everyone knows the importance of music, what it means in our lives and can mean in the life of a child, and why we do what we do as music educators.  Together, let’s build back these neighborhoods that raised children together.  Benjamin Franklin said during the writing of the Declaration of Independence, “If we do not hang together, we will surely hang together.”  So let’s hang together so that music education won’t die.  Are you a music advocate?  What have you done to insure the future of something you once held so near and dear?  What is your part?

 

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Q & A: John Paul Jones

 

Frank Miles, Tattler Editor

Anchors aweigh, it’s...  No wait; climbing that stairway to Heaven, it’s...  No wait; oil your slides and salute the Red, White and Blue, it’s John Paul Jones!

 

Tattler: When were you initiated into Phi Mu Alpha and why did you join?

John Paul: I was initiated in winter of 1987.  I was approached by Kappa Kappa Psi also but wanted a broader spectrum of musical activities and friends.

 

Tattler: What are you doing these days?

John Paul: I’m working for Colonial Bank in Montgomery.  I started in their call center for a year and am now a “utility teller” where I travel among all the branches in the Montgomery area filling in for tellers when they’re out for whatever reason.  Part of this position is that I will be trained in other branch positions so that I could fill in for any positions necessary.  My goal right now is to use this experience to become a trainer for the bank and use my teaching credentials and experience.

 

Tattler: The last time I saw you, you were honking your horn for the National Guard.  Still doing that?

John Paul: That was quite a surprise to see you that day, a wonderful surprise!  I regret not being able to get to you to talk that day and am ashamed that I haven’t gotten in touch since.  I am still in the 151st Army National Guard Band.  This is almost my 13th year and I plan to stay in as long as I can, then retire.  It’s a wonderful opportunity if anyone is interested.

 

Tattler: Have you ever run into any other Iota Nu alums through your experience with the National Guard?

John Paul: Yes, Linwood Erb, Michael Thomas, others who have retired now.  There are also brothers from other chapters.  It’s really neat to meet guys who have Sinfonia in common.

 

Tattler: What else do you get to do that furthers the object of Sinfonia?

John Paul: I’ve always been an instrumentalist, not much vocal work, although I have sometimes taught chorus in my teaching years.  I lead my church orchestra at Morningview Baptist in Montgomery and have been directing the band at Alcazar Shrine temple since 1993.  Our lead trumpet was one of the founders of the Auburn Knights jazz band.  Those gentlemen are great fun and have infinite experience to share.  I have met other Shriners whose school bands (when they were young) were judged by John Phillip Sousa!

 

Tattler: What are your impressions of music education in your area? 

John Paul: Music in the Montgomery area has some bright spots and some dark spots.  Here, as anywhere really, quality is sometimes sacrificed for social popularity.  Kids aren’t willing or patient to put in the time or work to build a strong musical foundation.  People are SO impatient these days!  Learning to play an instrument is NOT a source of instant gratification.  But, as we know, it will last a lifetime (as my Shriners prove).  The challenge for teachers/directors is to try to combine the two: make the work and quality music fun and entertaining.

 

Tattler: Is there anything Sinfonia could do to make it better?

John Paul: I’ll have to think about that one.

 

Tattler: Are you ever confused with a naval legend or a member of Led Zeppelin?

John Paul: CONSTANTLY!  Especially at the bank, everyone who sees my name mentions one or the other; younger people, Zeppelin; older, Navy.  At least I’m not named Sue (Johnny Cash reference)!

 

Tattler: What’s your favorite piece of music and why?

John Paul: I’d have to say any Strauss waltzes.  I know they’re “shallow dance music” but I think they’re very interesting to listen to, each having a variety of tempo and dynamics, and emotionally diverse, again each having a variety of “moods.”

 

Tattler: Who is the last Sinfonian you spoke with and what is he doing these days?

John Paul: Scott Yeilding.  He and his wife, Christine, came over to visit for his birthday (and my mom’s) last Saturday.  He’s been with Total Systems (TSYS) in Columbus since he graduated from Troy.

 

Tattler: If there was one thing you could change about Phi Mu Alpha, what would it be?

John Paul: I wasn’t one of the brothers who visited headquarters in Evansville or many other chapters to see what others are doing and compare.  The point is brotherhood through music and Iota Nu provided that in abundance.  I’ve seen some good things from the chapter in the past and am always approached at Homecoming and other events by newer brothers and pledges.  I like that.  I love you and all the brotherhood, miss seeing you as much as I’d like, and look forward to seeing you soon!

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BrasherFest 2005

 

John Mitcham, Special to the Tattler

Homecoming is approaching, and with it comes reunions, alumni band and seeing how much weight everyone has put on since last year.  And BrasherFest 2005.

 

Oh yes, BrasherFest.  This year’s third annual BrasherFest will be the night of homecoming following the football game.  For those alumni who are curious as to what exactly BrasherFest is, please let me explain.

 

BrasherFest was started about three years ago as a way for the Iota Nu chapter to publicly celebrate the birthday of our beloved James “Jim” Brasher.  To make a long story short, it is a massive party thrown on Jim’s behalf every October/November that has become a recent tradition.

 

Following the example of last year’s festivities, BrasherFest is being incorporated into the homecoming weekend activities so as to include any willing alumni and reunite as many Sinfonians with Jim Brasher and the Iota Nu chapter as possible.  Last year as a collegiate member, I witnessed the enthusiastic participation of alumni in this event as my former high school band director (Rob Ivey, Class of 198something) ran into Jim for the first time since graduating from Troy.  I strongly encourage alumni to attend this ‘gathering,’ reunite with old brothers and get to know new ones. 

 

This year’s BrasherFest will be held at the house of Brother Kevin “Sausage” Messer with directions being available the weekend of the event.  According to Iota Nu Social Chairman Sean Weiler, current plans involve having several kegs of beer.  In addition, BrasherFest T-shirts will be available for pre-order and possibly at the event, with more details coming soon.  For those alumni who attended Homecoming last year, perhaps you may remember the BrasherFest shirts from the 2004 event.

 

To avoid messy legal entanglements, BrasherFest is officially sponsored by the “Friends of Jim Brasher” which includes many non-Sinfonians.  As festivities of this sort can be expensive, any donations to the BrasherFest fund will be greatly accepted (and needed).  If you would care to make a monetary or material donation to the “Friends of Jim Brasher,” or if you have any other questions regarding BrasherFest, you may contact Sean Weiler at sweiler@troy.edu or 334-477-1396. 

 

I look forward to seeing everyone at Homecoming, and even more so at BrasherFest 2005!  It’s gonna be awesome!

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A Brewing Debate

 

Travis Bryant , Tattler Staff

It’s no secret that Alabama’s education system coffers are never more than half full.  Well now one group wants to fill up those holding tanks with—beer!

That’s right, the suds are poised to put more tax dollars in the hands of Montgomery officials.  But not just the beer we all remember from our dear old days at TSU (er, excuse me, Troy), but bigger bottles of better beer.

This hopeful look to the future is sponsored by the “Free the Hops” organization.  Their one goal is to bring Alabama in line with the rest of the country.


"This is not about getting drunk,” says FTH president Danner Kline.  “It's not about underage drinking.  It's about quality and quantity.  We are doing this because we like good beer, and we can't get good beer here."

 
Since national Prohibition was repealed, most states have followed suit and are raking in the dough from alcohol and beer sales.  In fact, there is only one state that limits the size of beer bottles—Alabama.  In every other state you can buy beers of all shapes and sizes, which have all shapes and sizes of profit margins and tax income.

Oddly enough this law’s biggest supporters are Alabama’s own beer distributors!  That’s because they have a stranglehold on sales.  Fully two thirds of the beer available out there comes in containers above Alabama’s 16-ounce limit.  So these guys don’t want the competition of “World” beers and “microbrews.”

“Free the Hops” has deftly negotiated a sit-down with Alabama’s Anheiser-Bush and Coors distributors to try and work this out.  After a meeting with Governor Riley, Kline said “We told him what we were trying to do, and he said he had not heard anything that he disagreed with.  He said he didn't see any reason to oppose it if it passes.”

FTH is also proposing one more piece of legislative change: to allow beers with higher alcohol content to be sold inside Alabama.  Right now our state is one of four that limit this.  Kline and his group are asking the question “why can you buy wine with 15 percent alcohol or liquor with 24 percent alcohol, but beer can’t be any higher than 6 percent?”

So far the official response is “that’s the way it’s always been done.”  And, that’s right, you guessed it, the same old corporate beer distributors have fought to keep it that way.

Free the Hops is patterned after successful efforts in Georgia and North Carolina.  Last year, Georgia officials voted to enact the very proposals that FTH is putting forth and the jury is still out in North Carolina.

Kline says that if everything goes as planned you could see new beers on the shelf at the Fillin’ Station by Homecoming 2006 (and maybe some new dollars in educator’s pockets).

So, pop open a brew and check out their site.  If you get motivated, fire off an email or sign a petition.  Or heck, buy a t-shirt.

But pay attention to what a few fellas can do when they organize, focus and mobilize.

Cheers!

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Down Memory Lane with Johnny R. Brewer, IN 1996

Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

 

I remember when I first arrived on the campus of Troy (State) University.  Somehow, I can’t make myself say it without “state.”  The very first person I met was Susanna Rankin.  (Don’t ever talk to me again, Michael Bird).  Susanna and I hit it off and we remained great friends throughout my time in Troy.  Susanna was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and she talked to me often about Phi Mu Alpha, telling me I should check it out.  On one fateful night in September, I did just that. 

 

I guess the music program still has its usual meet-the-music club event in the band room.  I went that night and I knew Sinfonia was something I wanted to be part of.  I went the informal smokers, then the formal smoker, got pinned, pledged and became a Brother on March 14, 1996 at Lyrecrest in Evansville.  The ride from pledge, er, uh, I mean, Probationary Brother to full Brother was filled with laughs, tears, and an occasional misdemeanor here and there.  Just kidding. 

 

The brothers of the class were Doug “Hadji” Brasell, Ben “The Wag” Wagner, Chad “Baby Face” Turner, Chuck “Pickles” Harrison, Jerome “Eight Ball” Williams, Joey “Yoda” Mitchell, Johnny “Quest” Brewer, Craig “Father Guido” Spoto, and Scott “Chilito” Erb.  Erb was our pledge class president.  I wanted to be president, but it’s hard to campaign for president when you are sick in bed with the flu.  Scott did a good job getting us together to meet so we could decide when we were going to meet.  The memories are so many that I have trouble narrowing it down to those for inclusion in this article. Probably my favorite memory of pledge quarter was the infamous Taco Bell incident, immortalized in our class song at Lyrecrest.  I’ll never forget the look on Preston and Scott’s faces when they found us at Taco Bell on 231 with the letters, or the look on the faces of the Lyrecrest staff as we remembered that moment in glorious harmony. 

 

Another memory I’ll never forget was the smell of a particular brother’s house.  I’ll take Air Freshener for 200, Alex.  Then there was this one time, when Joey and I lived in 317B Alumni Hall, and Joey made some pizza rolls just prior to our departure for Lyrecrest.  The only problem was that when we got to the Tennessee state line, Joey remembered that he never ate them, and they were still in the toaster oven.  By the time, the RA found them, they had turned into charcoal.  We nearly burned down Alumni Hall that day.  Perhaps we should have just not called the RA.  New dorm anyone?  

 

I had a great Big Brother, Bradley Grantham.  I still have your paddle, by the way.  Then I had a great Little Brother, Jason Cupps.  Where are you, dude??  Every time I hear that flat double “C” pushed up to the correct pitch at the end of “It Don’t Mean a Thing” I think of you.  By the way, Scott, does your CD player still have Satellite playing in it?   

 

I remember my Big Sister, Rebecca something or other. The color of the path to the most meaningful thing I ever did as a brother is gold.  That was truly an awesome thing to do.  As I sit at my desk at LBW Community College in Andalusia, my shingle is behind me, on the wall.  My wife had it framed for me for my birthday one year.  Every time I look at it, I think about the way Phi Mu Alpha changed my life.  The impact the organization had on me while I was in Troy was incredible, and I am a better man for it.  Thanks to all the brothers who tolerated me whilst I pledged.  I know I was hell on all of you.  You too, Kevin Hyde.  You are all wondering how I wrote this whole article and didn’t mention THE SPEECH.  Unfortunately, FCC regulations prohibit such things in print journalism.  So, if I see any of you at Homecoming this year, and you want to hear it, just ask.  Until then, All Hail!!

 

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FOUNDERS DAY STATISTICS

 

Founder's Day is Thursday, October 6th. Some interesting numbers to ponder:

  • Number of most recent national convention – 51
  • Location (city and state) of most recent national convention-Washington, DC
  • Year of most recent national convention – 2003
  • Number of deceased Sinfonians - 10,000
  • Current number of active Sinfonians - 5,000
  • Current number of active chapters – 211
  • Current number of living alumni - 95,000
  • Total number of living active and alumni Sinfonians - 100,000
  • Total number of chapters ever chartered – 421
  • Total number of states in which chapters have been chartered – 45 (All except Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire)

Justin Amaro (President) has asked Amy Ray (SAI) to Marry him.  He asked this weekend (10/02/2005). There was a yes, and attentively planning on a July wedding...


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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.

We kick off October with a site full of groovitude!  Click below and check ‘em out.

My fave is Number Eight (the Ninja Star shaped icon).  Its grooves are mellow and the flat trumpet is easy to drop in at just the right moment.  But there's plenty here for you metal heads, r&b rollers and country cowboys. http://www.infinitewheel.com/infinite_wheel.html

Now this is just about the coolest thing to ever turn up in da Dump!
It's called Ms. Pinky and you digital music dj junkies are gonna love it. Basically this software allows you to control your computer via your vinyl playing turntable.  No more trying to sync video and tunes, just scratch away! http://www.mspinky.com/index.html

And here's what the pros and wannabe pros are doing with Ms. Pinky and other musical instruments.  A record playing tree stump?  Music from a record player made of animal skins and subway tokens?  Check out this site for some of the weirdest digital/artistic endeavors out there.  Warning: Not for those who suffer from closed minds.                           http://www.createdigitalmusic.com/index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id=909&Itemid=44

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Scott Erb, Tattler Staff

 

 

Football games 

Oct. 4Troy v. North Texas
Oct. 20Troy v. FL. International
Oct. 29Troy v. Lafayette LA (Away)
Nov. 5 – Homecoming

Other upcoming events include the ?Blackout? game on October 20, 2005.  Troy University wants to paint Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium black and is encouraging everyone to wear black apparel to the game.  Official ?Blackout? game day t-shirts can also be ordered from Screentech. The TROY football team will wear vintage black jerseys and black helmets as they battle Florida International.  Anyone wishing to donate a minimum of $125.00 to the Al Lucas Fund for Student Athlete Excellence will receive one of these game black jerseys.  The last time TROY wore black jerseys was Al Lucas senior year in 1999.

SOTS

Oct. 8 – Marching Festival Daleville & Foley, AL
Oct. 15 – Opp and Crestview, FL Marching Festivals

PMA
Bowling – Oct. 7 (Montgomery)

SAI BBQ Oct 25

Recital Nov 8  8:00 pm

Formal smoker Nov 16

R. for Colony Nov 18

ACC Nov 21

Nov. 30 Pinning 8:00 Sorrell

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