BAND PREPARES FOR SPRING CONTEST

BY: HELAINA GEOFFROY

On March 14, 2023, the High School and Middle School will be participating in the Small Schools Band Festivals. There are 7 High schoolers and 18 Middle schoolers, who are participating.

In August, almost half of the band was new to DHS and to the expectations involved when performing at different athletic events. All 7-12th graders had to work together to play the music. The band is still working on notes, rhythms, and musical skills like playing at different volume levels and speeds, and other dynamics that make the music more interesting to listen to.

Band Director Mrs. King explains that “We have been working on our two songs for a couple months. We started after returning from Christmas break. The judges for this competition have very high expectations. Right notes and rhythms are just a starting point. They want to hear the music. Judges all receive a copy of the music we are playing and can see what each instrument is supposed to be playing”, says Mrs. King.

On the band’s preparation strategies, Drum Major Jayden Schneider says, “We have come into class prepared, wanting to learn new things from Mrs. King, so we can play the songs better. We are paying attention, listening, and being prepared to learn things and to remember them.”

MENTAL HEALTH MONDAY

BY:TRICIA SIMPSON

Mental Health Monday is something Mrs. Taylor started for kids who have her class to help kids with their confidence, self esteem, and other issues. Mrs. T knew she wasn’t qualified to do all the “counseling” things, she is just “Mama T."

She has noticed quite a change in the classroom. Her students are starting to understand that words hurt even if you use the saying “just kidding." They now get onto each other when they start to hear negative things, which is another change that has gone on.

You probably have also noticed that around the school there are sticky notes posted everywhere. It’s something Mrs. T and Mrs. Powell put together to practice positive self-talk and encouragement. Some of the notes have made people emotional, especially Mrs. Taylor. “I walked into the building and saw the note, and it almost made me start crying."

Sometimes as teenagers, or even adults, we don’t realize that sometimes people just need a lift of encouragement. Sometimes one small compliment can make a big difference in a life.

Mrs. T would like to continue doing Mental Health Monday for as long as she’s here because she wants people to be able to acknowledge the mental health issue without it being a stigma.

What to Listen To

On February 10th, Paramore released their new (6th) album This Is Why. Paramore decided to release a new album after a -six year hiatus. As the band Paramore ages, so does their lyrics and style of their music.

Paramore music is a mix of pop punk, and emo. Growing up I liked listening to Paramore. My favorite albums include Riot!, and Paramore (Self-Titled). When I got the time to listen to music, Paramore was usually on the top of my mind. I definitely think that others will enjoy Paramore.