Fairmont Senior High School

The Pride Of

Fairmont, WV

Be sure to catch the FSHS Steel Drum Ensemble performing in the Strawberry Festival Parade this Saturday in Buckhannon. If you can't make it to the parade, you can see it televised on WDTV Channel 5. The parade starts at 1:00, but the steel band won't be on for a while - we're in the 5th division.

Click Here to download a copy of all remaining spring band dates.

Announcing the 2008 Competition Show:

Heroes Fallen, Not Forgotten, composed by Key Poulan, is a salute to those in the military who have given their lives in service to their country, and to those who got caught up in the midst of tragedy due to the actions of others, such as assassinated presidents and civil rights legends. This show will be different from usual in that narration and historical sound clips will be played over loud speakers during the performance, along with some visual effects.

The show is presented in three movements. The first movement, “Shades of Shenandoah for Mrs. Bixby” is a musical reflection of the Civil War (through the tune “Shenandoah”) and the great president Abraham Lincoln. The widow Mrs. Bixby received a letter from Abraham Lincoln on the loss of her sons in the Civil War. The tenderness with which President Lincoln expressed his sorrow is heard in the solemnity of the music, reaching out to comfort those who have experienced the loss of a loved one in service to their country. A subtle patriotic essence permeates this lovely piece, sad but full of hope for a better tomorrow. Click Here to read the full Mrs. Bixby letter.

Click Here to hear the first movement.

The second movement, "Wars, Politics, Homeland Tragedies" covers dark moments in American history. It starts in rousing fashion during World War I with hints of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “It's a Long Way to Tipperary,” followed by a musical interpretation of the famed photo of the raising of the flag by the Marines on Iwo Jimo. The piece turns solemn with musical images of President Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King. The sounds of helicopters overhead signify the country’s involvement in the Viet Nam conflict. The movement climaxes with motifs representing mass tragedy visited upon American soil in the form of the Oklahoma City bombing and the destruction of the World Trade Center. As the 9/11 fireball fades to black, a short moment of silence is followed by “Amazing Grace,” with an overlay of “Taps” floating on top.

Click Here to hear the second movement.

The third movment, “Let Freedom Ring” lets us know that in spite of all of the bad things that have happened during the history of the United States, our country will continue to live on. A number of works are intertwined to conclude the show, including “America” (“My Country 'Tis of Thee”), “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Yankee Doodle,” “You're a Grand Old Flag,” “Shaker Song,” the Iwo Jima segment from Movement. 2,” and “America, America!” The ending is powerful and appropriately patriotic, lifting up our optimism despite the bad things that have tainted our past.

Click Here to hear the third movment.

The Polar Bear Band marching through Universal Studios - March 1, 2008

The Polar Bear Band had 8 representatives in the 2008 WVU Honors Band. Jessica Linger, Veronica Loss, Leah Nestor, Clayton Dunn, Jennifer Adams, Chelsea Gallagher, Kummih Govine, and Johnny Long were invited to be a part of this year's WVU Honors Band, which performed in concert on Feb. 16 at WVU's Creative Arts Center. Congratulations to all these band members on this honor!

CONGRATULATIONS to Leah Nestor and Andrew Bonasso, Polar Bear Band members who were selected for 2008 WV All State honors! Leah was selected for clarinet in the All State Band, and this is her second year for this outstanding honor. Andrew was selected for percussion in the All State Orchestra. We're very proud of their accomplishment! Leah and Andrew hold the honor of being the only band members from Marion County in this year's All State Band and Orchestra. Congrats!

Senior band members and Mr. Dunn pose with trophies from the TOB Championship

2007-08 Polar Bear Marching Band

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