By Andrea Nicholas
The Panther
Stockbridge HS
1st Place Division 4, Yearbook Verbal
Organizations Writing
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Solid lead that draws reader into story
- Meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Evidence of adequate research
- Story does not center on purpose of group or simply review their activities
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar
Sophomore Joy Youngblood had been in band for 5 years, practicing an hour every day. Youngblood’s brothers were in band, Jack on trumpet, Kael trombone. Joining her family, she became a flautist but when she moved to high school, she changed to an alto saxophone.
Youngblood’s long career had not necessarily made performing easy.“Solos are always nerve racking, but I know it will be okay as long as I try,” Youngblood said. “I’ve learned that worrying about solos will make it harder to play during your performance.”
Her wisdom came from placing a priority on practice. “If I never practiced, I would never have gotten better when I picked up the alto saxophone last year. I have done at least five solos.”
Youngblood didn’t actually know if she wanted to be in the band until she tried out with classmate Makenna Allison, who is also a 5-year sophomore band member.
Allison played as a clarinetist and then moved to saxophonist a year earlier. She thought one of the good moments in band was when they get to break up into sectionals and not only practice new material, but also get to know each other.
“In fifth grade, we went down to Patty Pniewski’s band room to try out instruments and see what instrument fit us,” she said. “I remember choosing the clarinet and the flute to try out.”
As it turned out, she “couldn’t make any noise with the flute whatsoever, so then tried the clarinet and was able to make a little sound.”
As her ability grew, so did Allison’s love of the subject.
“Being able to play and create music is something I’ve always loved, so being able to play within the band made me take the jump and join,” Allison said.
Supported by multiple fund raisers, the band traveled to Disney World in Florida to perform.
Director Pniewski thought the band “improved every performance ending the season with a strong showing at the Springport marching showcase