Today’s story is the first in a three-part series on fine arts at Salem High School.
It is widely known that Salem is abundant with natural landscapes and a community feel that can only be found in a small town. But, what may not be as well known to some is the musical and artistic talent of the students at Salem High School.
These students work hard to share their abilities with others in the community, state, country and world. The fine arts department at SHS has been receiving vast recognition for their talents, especially within the last four to five years. This three-part series on fine arts will highlight some of those accomplishments.
The past four years the band program has built itself back up and is getting recognition across Missouri,” says band director David Schatz.
The high school band currently consists of 65 members, compared to the 39 members it did in 2014. More members are making district honor bands, with 13 achieving All South-Central Honor Band last year. As a whole, the band is just as, if not more competitive. In three separate competitions, the band has placed first since 2013, with concert band receiving one ratings at state marching festivals in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016, for the first time since 1996.
In the next month, the band has two major competitions. Valhalla, a marching competition on Oct. 7 and an overnight trip of two competitions scheduled for Oct. 14 and 15. During Valhalla, bands are divided by band size and compete against each other. Judges determine band’s placing based off various criteria and give valuable feedback on how to improve the show. Ultimately, the top three bands from each class compete in finals and receive awards for best drum major, soloist, and winds, just to name a few. The Salem Marching Blue’s current routine is “Pirates” in which the pirates are challenging the band for its treasure.
However, their talents are not only kept to competitions and audition halls, but in the community as well. The high school band performs at many sporting events, such as the upcoming homecoming football game. It is also not uncommon to hear them during parades, including Rolla’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, and community events occurring downtown; and for SHS students, leading the fight song during pep assemblies.
Not only does the band serve as a source of pride in the community, it has a great impact on the students participating in it.
“The band program has given students an opportunity to make friends, learn discipline through art, and get involved in the community,” explained Kristen Pike, color guard captain and assistant drum major. “No matter what career our students choose to go into, band has taught them how to work hard, show up on time, and work as a team; and for some students, extensive leadership training.”
Some members go on to college on scholarships, playing their instrument.
Over the past few years the high school band has been working tirelessly, improving and building recognition in the community and the Ozarks. Its membership has grown nearly 30 members in just three years, with more members making it into all district and conference bands. Not only are individuals seeing success, but the band as a whole participating and scoring highly in competitions across the state. Many members continue or plan on continuing playing their instruments into college and careers. The high school band has experienced many victories throughout recent years and with the help of the community, the future is even brighter.
You can find the band’s performance schedule here: www.salemr80.org/schedule.html
