Copyright Nemaha Valley High School

Created January 2002

At approximately 2:11 p.m., anyone who dares to journey the steps that lead to the band rom will hear the melody of many songs in the distance. A mixture of high and low notes and an ocasional sqeak fill the room during seventh hour. "Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," "Purple People Eater," "Duke of Earl" are personal faviorites of the band members.

"I like band because it's fun and I like music," Myra soph., said.

The minutes the tardy bell sounds instrument cases are opened and trupmets, flutes and saxophones a month others are lifted out. Lips are puckered and warmed up for a busy hour of creativity. Mr. Atkinson raises his hands and says, "Instruments up. One, two three, four." Suddenly, as if by magic the sounds blend together to create a musical master-pieces.

Then as easily as it started, the air stops flowing through the horns and the notes fall to the floor like feathers. Once in a while, interruptions are needed to smooth out the rough spots. Song after song, insturments rise and fall, feet tap to keep the beat, and eyes scan from one line to the next.

Ten minutes before the school day is over, the bell rings to signal it's time to clean up. Instruments are put up to rest for the night and music is slid back into folders. The lights are switched off and students walk out the door talking about the big game they get to preform in that night- one of the chances they get to show off their hard work and practice.