The Birth of Pride and Spirit – Lake Arthur High School

The Birth of Pride and Spirit

A pril 18, 2015

(This poem is based on the thoughts and recollections of my Lake Arthur band students, as shared with me in conversations and letters over the years.)

“Pride and Spirit,” was the phrase. We understood it, clear. It’s stayed with me, though all my days. Those words, I still hold dear.

When first, the words were spoken. Our band, was very small. But school and town, they wanted more. So many, heard the call.

We had, a new director. We said, that “it was him.” Who gave us hope, to build our band. He said, “It’s really them.”

Horns were bought, and we were taught. Our school, was filled with song. Our band, exploded overnight. Became, a hundred strong.

Headlines! “Cinderella Band.” Made big news, with photos. We buckled down, and bonded too. Had a special mojo.

Not just, a group of students. A District Plaque, to show. That Spring, we were a full-fledged band. Our Pride and Spirit, glowed.

That rating, got us to State. With bands, from distant towns. They asked us, “Just who are you guys? We’ve not seen you around.”

Our leader, told us clearly, “First year, is just the start.” “Have lots to learn, and years to grow. Must work, with all your heart.”

“Pride and Spirit,” was the phrase. We understood it, clear. It’s stayed with me, though all my days. Those words, I still hold dear.

Learned to play, and then to march. The trophies! Such a thrill. Each year our band, grew more and more. Not just in size, but skill.

New uniforms, and band room. The parents, made it so. Sewing machines, and voices loud, deep pride, that they did show.

Great drum major, that led us. A drum line, that was fine. Our band grew strong. Our town was known. Those flags and rifles, shined.

Fifteen, became two hundred. Grades six through twelve, combined. The marching band. Big. Impressive. The concert bands. Refined.

“Pride and Spirit,” was the phrase. We understood it, clear. It’s stayed with me, though all my days. Those words, I still hold dear.

And through it all, we always said. “We owe it all, to him.” But to this day, he’ll always say. “You know, was really them.”

St. Pat and the Angels, Lake Arthur High School 1978