AHS Tiger Band Receives High Marks

by Dwight Turner

Continuing its tradition of excellence, the Ardmore High School Band, under the direction of Stanley Nelson, received a bevy of Superior Ratings at the District Band Competition, held last week at Decatur High School.

"We received all superior ratings from each judge," said Nelson. "Each judge gave both written and taped evaluations. We received all A's and one B."

Nelson was correct in his assessment. The judges had high praise for the performance by the Ardmore High School Band.

"There is wonderful maturity in all voices," said Band Judge Mickey Fisher in his written evaluation. "There was nice control and the band listens very well."

In terms of balance, Fisher continued his praise.

"There was very nice attention to this area," continued Fisher. "The band had both blend and balance in the suite."

Nelson also praised the band's performance.

"The students worked hard and prepared well," said Nelson. "They performed well and now will be moving on to the State Competition. This is the 19^th time in the past 21 years that the AHS Band has qualified for State and it is a real credit to the kids' hard work and dedication to excellence."

One student performed exceptionally well.

Flutist Hannah Alexander, a ninth grader at AHS, was selected as a member of the All-District Honor Band. Alexander made the band as sixth chair, quite an achievement for the young musician.

"Making All-District is quite an honor for this fine young lady," commented Nelson. "She has worked very hard and I am proud of her. I want the community to know that she represented both Ardmore and Ardmore High School very well."

The All-District Band is comprised of the top band members from Limestone, Morgan and Madison Counties.

The band performed three interesting and difficult pieces of music at the competition: Von Grrrhart's 613^th Regimental March by David Holsinger; British Isles Suite by Larry Daehn; and Declaration, Ballade and Finale, a one-movement suite by Ed Huckeby.