UPDATE: Easley High Band Students Honored

Each throw of the rifle, each beat of a drum, each note played and each practice has been worth it.

band members are racking up awards for the school during the winter months.

Last weekend the Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion sections of the band participated in the South Carolina Band Directors Association Winter Ensemble at Ashley Ridge High School in Summerville. Winter Guard finished second in their class and Percussion finished third in their class.

"Our goal had been for both to medal," said Kristin Gill, director of the band. "They have worked extremely hard to achieve these honors."

Gill said Winter Guard is similar to the color guard which performs during band competitions and during half-time at football games. She said the group still throws flags, sabers and rifles, all while putting on a floor show.

"This year they performed 'Dollhouse'," Gill said. "They start out as cute little dolls, nice music and then there is a twist, the music changes and they become possessed doll-like figures."

Gill said about 20 members make up the Winter Guard. She said the Indoor Percussion has 17 members.

"We left the school at 7 a.m. Saturday morning and didn't get back until after 1 a.m.," Gill said. "It was a long day and we were so excited to win."

Gill, who was named the director a year ago, said tryouts were held in November and that students rehearsed two to three times a week leading up to five competitions for the winter season.

This news comes on top of excellence and superior ratings received at a competition at York High School on March 22.

Gill said the Symphonic Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble participated in the SCBDA's Concert Festival.

"The Symphonic Orchestra scored an Excellent rating in the competition," Gill said. "The Wind Ensemble was given a Superior rating. We work on this type of competition every day in class."

Gill said she couldn't be happier with the performance of each of the groups.

She said the concert festival was extremely exciting to win because of the way the ratings are tallied.

Gill said each participating band plays three pieces of music that they have rehearsed. Afterwards, they must sight read a musical piece. After six minutes, they are asked to play the music. The groups are then judged on both performances.

The band left on Wednesday night to go to Orlando, Fla. The band will perform on Saturday at Universal Studios in a small parade, before returning home on Sunday.

"It's a reward for them after working so hard in marching band and then for winter performances," Gill said. "I'm proud of all the hard work and effort each of these students has put in."