Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

A little less conversation, a little more marching

This fall, Friday nights mean only one thing for about 140 of Freedom’s fine-tuned students: show time. These performers have exactly ten minutes to wow an entire crowd of football fans, and prove Mr. Kovalic’s claim that they are and continue to be the best high school band in Beaver County. The show features hits from a few different famous names, including the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and of course, “The King,” Elvis Presley. “I got an eye for finding the right people in the right spots,” band director Mr. Kovalic (KK) said, and he is true to his word. The 2010 halftime show has reached new levels this year with his guidance, along with the leadership skills of some hard-working upperclassmen. Leading the Big Red Marching Band for his second year, Drum Major Jordan Cinderich is having the time of his life. “It’s one of the best feelings,” he said, describing how it feels to lead such a vibrant group of students, his peers. Cinderich worked with KK all summer, co-writing and co-creating the show as his senior project. “It’s so rewarding. I got to bring [the show] to life during band camp, and now I get to see it evolve on the field.” Drama Club star Christian Beck adds to the performance by actually dressing up as “The King” himself and singing two of his most famous songs, “Little Less Conversation,” and “Suspicious Minds.” “Christian’s singing element makes [the show] fun and interesting,” Drum Major Caitlin Frain said. Behind the scenes, KK uses a computer program to design and choreograph the movement of all instrumentalists on the field. “Curvilinears,” as they are called, are what this progressive band uses to move around the field in curved lines, creating an illusion, and a stunning performance for the crowd. The show ends on a high as the band goes old-school, spelling out “ELVIS” on the field. B esides having the tightly-knit instrumentalists on the field, unit members are the strong point of the Big Red Marching Band. Flags are led by captains Andrea Cary and Stephanie Duez, Majorettes by Kristi Tibolet, and the Drill Team by Samantha Baker. “They’re a major strength,” KK said, “Nobody dances like our girls dance.” To teach everyone the show, a mere two weeks in August was taken for Band Camp. After that, the only actual practice time this group gets all together is every Wednesday night, 6-9, and every 4 th block on White Days. KK realizes that high school students are very involved, so he limits practice time in order for everyone’s extracurricular schedule to work. This way, more students are able to balance both band and other activities, and the band can be bigger and more productive, KK explained. Although the band has limited practices, they have succeeded in creating another crowd-pleasing halftime show. As stated by Liz “Pit Master” Brunner, “We’re still the best band in Beaver County.”