Pride of Paoli

Echoes of The Pride – our 2007 show

by Bill Laughlin

The 2007 edition of the Pride of Paoli Band is an interesting collection of music! We (the band program) have chosen to center our show on 2 contemporary composers: Richard Saucedo and Samuel Hazo. Both have written terrific music for band, orchestra, and drum & bugle corps. Both are very accessible to High School age musicians, and both use the dynamic rhythms and harmonies that have long been associated with the Paoli programs.

The Flight of the Thunderbird, by Richard Saucedo, is the opening of our show. In that section we feature the outstanding soloists Leah Thill (mellophone) and Brad Monroe (trumpet). The entire percussion section is also featured in a solo segment, along with the color guard.

Echoes, by Samuel Hazo, is the 2nd part of the program, and represent a ballad rich enough to be considered along several others from the history of the Pride (1996, 98, 2000, 05, etc.). We are once again featuring the music of senior musician Leah Thill, along with a brass ensemble and a keyboard section solo. The color guard will demonstrate their technique with “double flags” – giving the effect of Angel Wings.

Rush, also by Samuel Hazo, is the 3rd selection of music, and sounds just like the title! This section will include many of the famous “Pride of Paoli Drill Moves” from over the years (block rotations, pass through moves, a “Z Pull”, and several “power wedges”. Once again, the band will feature a small ensemble, a quartet of color guard ladies on a dance, a percussion section solo, and an incredibly fast drill and musical finish to the program.

What makes this show different from previous ones? One thing is the fact that we have incorporated previous shows into this one. Following the name “Echoes”, the audience will hear snippets of previously performed Paoli shows in this one. Shows quoted in Echoes include: 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003. Over the season, many band alumni have recognized these additions to the program.

The collaboration of ideas in the 2007 Pride of Paoli show come from not only the staff, but also several members of the senior class this year. Thus – our show is a “team effort”, from the original idea, musical arrangements, prop design, and color guard choreography.

The purpose of our show this year? Outside of the regular quest to play great music, march difficult drill, and have the opportunity to perform before thousands … 2007 gives us the ability to look back on the growth and development of what makes this band special. It is the members! Our older students spend years learning the traditions and disciplines of the Paoli program. Then – when they are seniors – their job is instruct and train the younger members in said traditions and disciplines. This year’s senior class has been exceptional on that job.

When putting together this show – we had the opportunity to re-visit the great bands in the past and discover what makes being in a program such as Paoli Band unique. It is the opportunity to be given a strong work ethic, a worthwhile goal to attain, the necessary materials and resources to strive toward that goal, great teachers and staff members who believe in lifting up the individual, and, the opportunity to learn “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or even the one”.

Joined with the understanding that we all suffer setbacks, struggles, trials, etc., and, that never giving up through these things will ultimately make us into strong adults who will one day not only contribute positively toward society, but have families of our own – these are the best lessons that can be learned through such a high level program. One can see: it’s not about winning trophies and medals – its about achievement and growth every week. As Mr. Nicholson (our assistant director) stated to the students: “Be a Hero in the Strife of Life!”

If you can find the time to see our show – don’t miss it! It will be on well worth remembering. See you on the band trail!

Mr. L


	Director's Message


	Home Current Season Previous Seasons Schedule of Events Staff Information Director's Message Band Boosters Winter Guard History of Pride Did you know? Favorite Links		Echoes of The Pride – our 2007 show by Bill Laughlin The 2007 edition of the Pride of Paoli Band is an interesting collection of music! We (the band program) have chosen to center our show on 2 contemporary composers: Richard Saucedo and Samuel Hazo. Both have written terrific music for band, orchestra, and drum & bugle corps. Both are very accessible to High School age musicians, and both use the dynamic rhythms and harmonies that have long been associated with the Paoli programs. The Flight of the Thunderbird, by Richard Saucedo, is the opening of our show. In that section we feature the outstanding soloists Leah Thill (mellophone) and Brad Monroe (trumpet). The entire percussion section is also featured in a solo segment, along with the color guard. Echoes, by Samuel Hazo, is the 2nd part of the program, and represent a ballad rich enough to be considered along several others from the history of the Pride (1996, 98, 2000, 05, etc.). We are once again featuring the music of senior musician Leah Thill, along with a brass ensemble and a keyboard section solo. The color guard will demonstrate their technique with “double flags” – giving the effect of Angel Wings. Rush, also by Samuel Hazo, is the 3rd selection of music, and sounds just like the title! This section will include many of the famous “Pride of Paoli Drill Moves” from over the years (block rotations, pass through moves, a “Z Pull”, and several “power wedges”. Once again, the band will feature a small ensemble, a quartet of color guard ladies on a dance, a percussion section solo, and an incredibly fast drill and musical finish to the program. What makes this show different from previous ones? One thing is the fact that we have incorporated previous shows into this one. Following the name “Echoes”, the audience will hear snippets of previously performed Paoli shows in this one. Shows quoted in Echoes include: 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003. Over the season, many band alumni have recognized these additions to the program. The collaboration of ideas in the 2007 Pride of Paoli show come from not only the staff, but also several members of the senior class this year. Thus – our show is a “team effort”, from the original idea, musical arrangements, prop design, and color guard choreography. The purpose of our show this year? Outside of the regular quest to play great music, march difficult drill, and have the opportunity to perform before thousands … 2007 gives us the ability to look back on the growth and development of what makes this band special. It is the members! Our older students spend years learning the traditions and disciplines of the Paoli program. Then – when they are seniors – their job is instruct and train the younger members in said traditions and disciplines. This year’s senior class has been exceptional on that job. When putting together this show – we had the opportunity to re-visit the great bands in the past and discover what makes being in a program such as Paoli Band unique. It is the opportunity to be given a strong work ethic, a worthwhile goal to attain, the necessary materials and resources to strive toward that goal, great teachers and staff members who believe in lifting up the individual, and, the opportunity to learn “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or even the one”. Joined with the understanding that we all suffer setbacks, struggles, trials, etc., and, that never giving up through these things will ultimately make us into strong adults who will one day not only contribute positively toward society, but have families of our own – these are the best lessons that can be learned through such a high level program. One can see: it’s not about winning trophies and medals – its about achievement and growth every week. As Mr. Nicholson (our assistant director) stated to the students: “Be a Hero in the Strife of Life!” If you can find the time to see our show – don’t miss it! It will be on well worth remembering. See you on the band trail! Mr. L

	e-mail the Webmaster		DIRECTORS: BILL LAUGHLIN AARON NICHOLSON GAYLE LAUGHLIN
			The Pride of Paoli Marching Band Paoli Jr. - Sr. High School 501 Elm Street Paoli, Indiana 47454 Phone: 812-723-7301 Fax: 812-723-7301 Last Updated: Saturday, October 13, 2007 10:10 PM
			A Wise Creation