High school's band a hit with students

By JENNIFER DICK

Staff Writer

It requires up to 15 hours per week of non-paid work. Members must give up some of their weekends in order to participate and work hard to make money by washing cars and serving chicken and corn bread.

Photo by JENNIFER DICK   A band member plays the trumpet.

But, despite its demanding requirements, Northern High School’s band has grown from 52 members to 100 members this past year.

And the students love it.

Through its actions, the Jay Hawks have garnered a bit of fame. The band has played at little league games, nursing homes and the opening of the McNamara Terminal. Members have also marched in several parades. The students play a wide variety of music, including gospel, music from the 80s and 90s and traditional marches.

Being in the band has its benefits, too. Through their travels, students are exposed to various venues and experiences. Sixteen-year-old Jason Valentine particularly appreciate the band’s trip to Southern University. He and his fellow band members were able to visit campus and march in a 2 ½ mile parade.

Valentine has enjoyed music since he was three years old. He now plays percussion and the mellophone for the band. He said the band has given him an idea of what he wants to do with his life.

"I want to take this to college and study music," he said. "There is a lot you can accomplish with this."

Fifteen-year-old alto- and tenor-saxophone player Tashan Taylor’s favorite thing about band is the Disney World trip and competition. She has been playing the sax for three years and loves it. Taylor said that she also plans to go to college but hasn’t yet decided on a major.

A group of highly skilled, motivated and caring teachers and assistants work with band members to make these opportunities possible. Principal Sammie Harris provided new uniforms for the students. Teacher Alisa Kimber makes sure the students keep up their GPA and directs the pompon girls. Band assistants William Blackshur and Steve Murray help Charles Thomas Sr. direct the band. Thomas, in particular, is very enthusiastic and works hard to expand his students’ horizons.

Thomas hopes to bring the Detroit community together to support his students in all their hard efforts.

"Seeing one of my kids go to college and graduate and then come back and show me their accomplishments" makes the hard work well worth the effort, he said.