Marching Band Blasts

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Concert is “Final Countdown” for the Season

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By ZAVIONA FOUNTAIN

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Red and Blue Editor

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PHOTOS By ROBB QUICCI

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\tAttendance was great and the sound even better at the AHS Marching Band’s fall concert.

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\tThe band, consisting of more than 120 members, played music from their halftime shows during the football season.

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The theme for the season is an “All Request Show.” The selections included “Final Countdown,” “Shut Up and Dance,” “Bad” and “Dream On.” Later in the season came “No” and, by request of the seniors, “Cold-Hearted” was added to the show.

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Joe Kelley, who has had five children in the band and has held every office in the Band Boosters including president, was recognized for his service.

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“He is the only parent who has been involved all 13 years that I have been the director,” said band director Shaun Fontaine. “During that time he has chaired multiple committees include the fall/spring sports program, raised money for uniforms, Rotary flag routes, chaperoned countless football games, worked the concession stand, and probably did every possible job.”

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Fontaine said he was “very pleased with the turnout of the concert. It’s been a great season.”

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Under the direction of Fontaine, Thomas Roblee, Heather Shive and student teacher Desiree Carrion, the band began preparing for their season at the end of June. The band members learned appropriate marching style, and also worked hard on learning how to march and play at the same time.  

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\tThis year the band performed in the Hall of Fame Parade, Carnation Days Grand Parade, Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Stark County Fair, Dover Band Show, and the Carrollton Band Show.

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\t“The season went really well,” said freshman Kemarie Evans.

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\t“I enjoyed the season and I liked the songs we played this year,” said sophomore MarTisha Blue.

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\t“This is the best we’ve sounded in a long time. I enjoyed ending my last year of marching band with such a great band,” said senior Emma Glass.

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\t“I enjoyed it and had a good first year,” said freshman Taylor Raffle.

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\t“I’ve been observing the band all season and noticed the change,” said student teacher Desiree Carrion. “I enjoyed Senior Night a lot. The seniors were pumped up. I’ve never been to a school that gave the seniors such a great opportunity like that.”


Abigail Oyster and Will Kinser play trumpet

Director Shaun Fontaine listens to the band as they rehearse for the Oct. 24 concert

Madalyn Waggoner plays a solo on the mellophone

Raelene Valdez-Torrez and Marissa Scobee play clarinet

Tyler Phillips plays trombone