Band-A-Rama Strikes Again! Monday, May 14, 2012 By Junior Pashantz Howell The CHS Band was the first and last event of the concert. - Pashantz Howell Advertising For over 15 years, the Cameron Band Department has been holding Band-A-Rama, an annual concert that marks the end of the school year. This year, Band-A-Rama was held on Friday, May 11 in the CHS Gymnasium. The CHS Dragon Band opened the ceremony with the piece Shoutin’ Liza Trombone, a traditional American march, with the middle school grades following. Though such a large number of students performed, Band Director Blake Duren wasn’t worried. “The contrast between the middle school pieces and the high school pieces gave the younger kids something to look forward to and work towards. Also, it showed how far the high schoolers have progressed and raised a little nostalgia in the older students and parents,” said Mr. Duren. The concert, one and a half hours in length, consisted of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands, as well as the High School Dragon and Jazz Bands. Also, two Percussion ensembles that received a “1” rating at District Music Contest performed their pieces as a bonus. Although the concert was a riveting performance, there were also feelings of nostalgia and reflection among some, as they bid adieu to the band department. Senior Trombonist Nate Rose-Heim shared his feelings toward his final Band-A-Rama. “I hope that members of the middle school band will see what the high school music program has to offer and keep playing their hearts out. Music kept me sane through my four years of high school, and even though I know now I would do a lot of things differently, I would never even consider leaving band out of my [schedule], or anyone else’s,” said Nate. With a large number of Band seniors graduating, there are some concerns among underclassmen how it will impact the band and its ability to perform well at events, such as Band-A-Rama. However, with such a large incoming freshman class, there are some who aren’t so concerned. Incoming Freshman Saxophonist Keisha Rush explained why she isn’t concerned about the loss of the seniors. “There are people in my class who I know will step it up. I think band will be great next year, because we’re going to have a really great group,” said Keisha. With a 100 person band next year, it’s not hard to see why people are excited for next year. Band-A-Rama, an annual concert that, for many, signifies the end of another school year, was a riveting performance. Every group performed, and some even featured soloists. Though there is going to be a large loss of talent next year, Band-A-Rama shouldn’t be affected due to the large incoming class of freshman. Congratulations to all who performed!

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