A Sound for Every Setting The String Ensemble, what Travis Cox caHed "a musical genera in and of itself," took pride in playing a more classical type of music during frequent performances in the area. The one dozen musicians practiced once a week in preparing for shows throughout the fall and spring. Playing without a conductor called for a special teamwork and discipline not seen in other groups. A lighter type of music such as "Over the Rainbow" and various polkas marked the fall concerts. During the early months, the ensemble played for an AWH state meeting in Lit · tle Rock, the World Missions banquet and a special honorary banquet for the elderly in Sear· cy. In the spring a more classical approach using numbers like Bach's " Brandenburg Concerto in F" and Vivaldi's concerto at· tracted audiences with a calm and cu ltured taste in music. the Clock" and "Another One The group was composed of Bites the Dust" were not this half students and half town peo· crew's only claim to fame .. T~is pie. Fr.om time to time, this squad was recogniz~d all acdross mixture of humans added a the state because .It serve as piano, a harpsichord or a few th:l~n I Y pePtbabnd In thle AdlC. d oodwinds to enhance the cali- t s a way 0 e mvo ve an ;er and enjoyment of playing.~ help the" te~m ," said Joel What the marching band was Ragland. We ve got a close·' to the football team , the Pep knit group that just g?,es out Band was for the roundballers. and has a blast playmg. ~ With a mix of jazz, pop and the The Marching and Concert usual Bison fight song, this col- Band, though down a bit in lection of musicians helped to size, produced its usual high entertain and enliven the quality music in performances crowds at home ball games. in all kinds of settings. So as not to be stereotyped as The bands, generally known just one·sport freaks, the band for their playing at football members also visited a few of games and outdoor events, inthe away football games and eluded concert tours and provided some inspirational special Harding programs in support. this year's activities to Since the group was small, a strengthen their musical close unity was built between background and entertain hunfellow students and quality dreds of ardent supporters. practice time was possible. The Marching Band did perTheir tunes of " Sweet form at each home football Georgia Brown," "Rock Around game, weather permitting. A " - Courtt:sy of Publicity Offla separate operation was planned for each week and then im· plemented only after countless hours of drilling and rehearsal. Drum majors Bill Anthony and lisa Shoaf assisted director Eddie Baggett in leading this crew of diverse talents. In addition to their usual out· door extravaganza, which took p lace in front of the American Heritage Building before Christmas, the Concert Band took part in a combined concert in February. At this time, the band performed with other groups from the University 's Music Department. The winter concert band tour was a February bus ride through northern Arkansas, with pro· grams in Berryville, Eureka Springs, Salem and Batesville. On April 9, the students also played to a large Youth Forum gathering. ~ The Stage Band, known traditionally for its accompaniment at Spring Sing time, con· tinued to amaze the large audio ences who flocked to Searcy in the spring with their music, generally used to assist the hosts and hostesses. This small but decided group practiced many hours in an at· tempt to give the four spot· lighted singers the limelight for a weekend. Their efforts were rewarded following the hectic Spring Sing days with a tour through Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. During this trip, the band members were joined by the hosts and hostesses in performances at such sites as Jackson, Miss., New Orleans and Memphis. ~ Music· 105
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