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Evansville North Instrumental Music Program History
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2005 to 2010 |
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2005 - 2006 Senior Drum Major Liz Fisher conducted the Green Brigade as they performed original music written by Richard Saucedo, entitled "Sequences." The drill was again written by Tim Fairbanks. The group received a Gold Division Rating at District, advancing to the ISSMA Regional Competition for the 17th consecutive year! A new musical group called the Northern Lights was formed. This unique, 28 member group consisted of select strings, a jazz band instrumentation, and featured Ben Smith and Lauren Wright on vocals. In conjunction with the celebration of North High School's 50th anniversary, the Band Boosters sponsored Nifty Fifties Night. This program spotlighted the Duke Boys, a popular local 50's band that began at North 25 years ago. The Duke Boys includes North grads David Burke (Gomer) and Kerry Sinclair (Flounder). The North Musical, "Aida," was very well received. Freshman Lauren Wright was named first chair violinist for the EVSC Honors Orchestra. The 18-member EVSC Honors Jazz Ensemble consisted of 9 North student musicians. |
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2006 - 2007 - The Green Brigade attended band camp at Eastern Illinois University. Junior Natalie Schultheis was selected to lead the group as the new drum major. With original music again written by Richard Saucedo, the Green Brigade performed "Singularity." The band received Gold Division ratings at both the ISSMA District and Regional Marching Band Competitions. In September, the Northern Lights (North's vocal jazz orchestra) performed for the Grand Opening of the new Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center. Lauren Wright, a sophomore violinist, was chosen for the Indiana All-State Orchestra. In March, select orchestra members performed in the Musical, "Singing in the Rain." During Spring Break, the Green Brigade took off once again for sunny Florida, performing in Disneyworld's Magic Kingdom. The 6-day trip included visits to EPCOT, Disney MGM, Cocoa Beach, and Pirates Dinner Adventure. A small jazz combo, including Ian Lynch, Brittney Tyler, Joe Anderson, Jeff Jones, and Steve Vanhooser, performed at several notable functions through the spring. At "This Is Our Story," North Band and Orchestra members Ben Smith and Lauren Wright sang with the EVSC Honors Jazz Ensemble, conducted by Mr. Shelley, in tribute to Mr. Jack Schriber, EVSC Fine Arts Supervisor, who retired at the end of the school year. To top off a busy spring, North hosted “An Evening of Jazz,” bringing back North alumni musicians Pat Moore (drum set, 1968), Matt Kincaid (guitar, 1971), and Bruce Lett (acoustic bass, 1971) joining Henderson native Pat McCormick (piano) for an incredible concert that wowed everyone. The Northern Lights opened the program with a variety of standard jazz selections. North Vocal Director Andrea Drury sang and Mr. Shelley played soprano sax on a couple of selections with the alumni combo. Dr. Ed Lacy (University of Evansville Music Dept.) and former North Vocal Director Jerry Hoover spoke at the conclusion of the program. Mr. Schriber was presented with an Honorary North Band Member award in recognition of all of his contributions. |
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North Alumni Matt Kincaid, Bruce Lett, Pat Moore, and Henderson native Pat McCormick performed at “An Evening of Jazz” |
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2007 - 2008 With a show concept that became one of our all-time favorites, the Green Brigade presented Tribal Power and Passion, with music composed for the Green Brigade by Richard Saucedo and drill designed by Tom Dean. Senior Drum Major Natalie Schultheis became the first ever undefeated drum major in our history by winning every Best Drum Major award in the season. In addition, the Green Brigade captured several Grand Champion, Best Percussion, and Best Auxiliary trophies. They also received Gold Division Ratings at the ISSMA District and Regional events. North High School hosted the US Air Force Airmen of Note, the nation’s premier Jazz Ensemble, in a special concert in October. Nine North musicians were chosen for the 18-member EVSC Honors Jazz Ensemble, led by 4 year members Brittney Tyler and Ian Lynch. Senior band and choir senior Ben Smith was featured on “The Impossible Dream,” singing the selection with the band for Commencement. He was reprising his role from North’s Musical presentation — The Man of La Mancha. The Kiwanis Arion Award was presented to Christine Vanderwel for Orchestra and to Natalie Schultheis for Band. |
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2008 - 2009 - The Green Brigade presented a very unique program with a theme based on the popular children’s book, “The Giving Tree.” With music written by Richard Saucedo and drill by Tom Dean, the group won numerous awards in competitions throughout southern Indiana and western Kentucky. The lead role in the show was played by junior guard captain Brianna Gallardo. The Green Brigade was conducted by junior Drum Major Laura Guse. Once again the group received a Gold Division Rating at the ISSMA District Competition. Senior orchestra member Lauren Wright became only the 4th musician ever at North High School to win two Kiwanis Arion Awards, winning both the Orchestra and Choir award. Senior band member Joe Anderson was named the Arion Award winner for Band. A couple of new events were organized during the year. The Spotlight Music Showcase, highlighting a variety of musicians, was held every Friday morning before school in front of the Media Center. The first ever Jazz Connections Concert held in the spring combined the North and Castle High School Jazz Ensembles, and also featured a professional jazz combo. The North Spring Musical was “Chess,” featuring Lauren Wright in one of the lead roles. The Green Brigade travelled to Orlando during Spring Break and performed at Disneyworld’s Magic Kingdom. During the second semester, Mrs. Brenda Weber was promoted to EVSC Director of High Schools. She was recognized during the Spring Concert and presented with an Honorary Band and Orchestra Member Award. Mr. John Skinner was named the new North HS Principal. Senior vocalist Lauren Wright and guitarist Joe Anderson were featured with a special instrumental ensemble at Commencement, performing Faith Hill’s “There You’ll Be.” During the year, the EVSC developed plans to build a new North High School, located on north Highway 41. It is scheduled to open in Fall, 2011. |
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2009 - 2010 - Senior drum major Laura Guse led the Green Brigade with their program entitled “The Four Freedoms,” with music written by Richard Saucedo. The 95-member group received a Gold Division Rating at the ISSMA District Contest for the 20th consecutive year! Band camp was once again held at Eastern Illinois University. In December, the District Festival featured the Evans, Oak Hill and North Bands and Orchestras. The Solo and Ensemble Event included every student in the program, with several students chosen for the ISSMA State Solo/Ensemble Contest. The North Large Percussion Ensemble came away with top honors at State. In February, the Duke Boys highlighted an old-fashioned Sock Hop held in the Dining Center. The North Jazz Ensemble also performed music at the event. The Jazz Ensemble also participated in the Murray State Jazz Festival in March, and also combined with Castle High School’s Jazz Ensembles to the present the 2nd annual Jazz Connections Concert in May. Featured on that program was a professional Big Band Jazz Ensemble which included many tri-state music educators and professional jazz musicians. Nine North musicians were chosen for the 18-member EVSC Honors Jazz Ensemble. The North Spring Musical was “Sweeney Todd.” Doug Pilcher was named the Kiwanis Arion Award winner for band and Desiree Daniel was named the Arion Award winner for orchestra. |