Alexandria’s award-winning band adds trophies to shelf

By Jordan Ponder
Special to Score!

The Alexandria High School Band 2005-2006 marching season was more than satisfying, ending with 21 awarded trophies, after the band attended the usual number of three competitions this year in Gadsden, Oneonta and Hanceville.

Finally, the last shelf in the band room is full!

At the Mid-South Marching Festival, the AHS Band received superior ratings in all groups, plus the Bob Rush Memorial award. Band members’ spirits soared with their success in the first competition of the year.

“It felt really good being a part of something like this,” said Tanner Owens, a rookie drummer. Speaking of drummers this is the largest drum line Alexandria has seen in quite a few years.

Bryan Tucker, a senior and percussion section leader, said, “It has always been really cool and fun for me to be a part of the drum line.”

The following week, the band attended one of their favorites, the Oneonta Marching Competition, where they received seven superior ratings and one excellent.

Even though no Best in Class award was given to any of the groups, the band still brought home the second place trophy in their division and scores show that they were the third best in the overall competition.

“It’s an honor to have been in the band the past seven years, and we couldn’t have done good without teamwork,” said Molly Wicklund, dance line co-captain and senior.

That teamwork was on display at their last competition at Mudcreek in Hanceville. Not only did each group receive a superior rating, but sophomore drum major Anna Barrett received the Best in Class award for Alexandria’s division.

“I’m really glad that I could get the Best in Class trophy for the Alexandria band,” said Anna.

But the band didn’t leave Mudcreek with just their superior ratings and a Best in Class ranking.

They also received the Golden Award for the best overall band in the competition. Alan Schmiedl, the band captain and senior, said, “Even though we are really young this year, we still pulled it together to win a Best in Contest.”

Don’t start the crying yet. Just because the Alexandria High School Band’s marching season is over this year doesn’t mean that there isn’t a great concert season yet to come.

During concert season, the band has been a State Superior Band in 2001, 2004 and 2005. They are already getting set for their next Superior rating for 2006.

The senior band members of 2005-2006 are: Sean Casey-trombone, Jessica Gardner-majorette, Scarlet Goss-dance line, Ashley Hayes-dance line, Amanda Hood-color guard captain, Becky Kenny-color guard, Jordan Ponder-majorette captain, Adam Pringle-percussion assistant section leader, Ashley Riley-dance line, Jenna Rouse-flute assistant section leader, Alan Schmiedl-tuba section leader and band captain, Alex Timmons-saxophone section leader, Bryan Tucker-percussion section leader, Zak Wade-percussion, Molly Wicklund-dance line co-captain.

The senior band class of 2005-2006 would like to give band director Dr. Alan Conway a special salute and thanks. “We couldn’t have done it without you, Doc. We love you and will miss you.”

Jordan Ponder is a 17-year-old senior at Alexandria High School. She is Majorette Captain and has been a majorette for 4 years. She has been in the Alexandria Marching and Concert Band for 7 years. She is a member of the Christian Club, Edgewood Church and the EDGE Drama team and choir. She also serves as a volunteer for Alacare Home Health & Hospice and the TV-24 newsroom. Jordan plans to attend Jacksonville State University in the fall of 2006 and will major in Communication.