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8
BAND
This year the Roger Bacon Band, under the direction of Mr. Wes Neal
and Drum Major Sean Mcgee, broke away from the mainstream of popular
music and started their own path. Big Band music of the 30s and 40s was
transformed into the marching band rhythm of the 80s. The result was a
sound pleasing to both students and adults alike. Combined with their
patented upbeat style of marching, the Marching Spartans provided a show
that was unequaled in intensity and excitement. Added to the Big Band
music were several modern pieces that gave the shows balance to appeal to
all audiences. The music in the contest show ranged from Tchaikovsky's
Nutcracker Suite,
written in the mid 1850s, through "String of Pearls," from
the 1940s, to "The Body Electric," the graduation march from the TV show
Fame.
Veteran band members, always their own toughest critics, found much
to be desired in the 1983 season. Neverthel.ess, the Roger Bacon Band
compiled a record that other bands could just wish for. They were the only
local band represented at the O.M.E.A. state finals in Columbus. The flag
line, in only their third year. went undefeated through the entire year and
received a superior rating at state. Sean Mcgee had an almost identical
record as drum major. The 1982 Marching Band is a symbol of pride and
desire that our entire school can be proud of.