Tradition at “The High” – Lake Charles High School

Tradition at The High

m A y 6, 2015

Taught Band there, for just one year. But with me, till I die. This school changed me, and all who shared, “Tradition at The High.”

I was an innovator. Had ideas, that were new. Altered some things. Retained some things, so steeped, in red and blue.

“The Bunny Hop” and “The Horse.” “The Trumpet Guillotine.” Were kept in games, and pep rallies. Important, to the scene.

Fourth-Quarter-Jam, I added. The drummers, they went wild. The flags and rifles, danced along. The Kilties, even smiled.

I was there, for just one year. I think of this, and sigh. The people, who taught me about, “Tradition at The High.”

I led the Band. Was my job. But, I did discover. “The High” was one big family. Helped out, one another.

Strong and true, the faculty. Into them, I did blend Cheerleaders, Mascot, Kilties too. A message, we did send.

Football team, and world-class track. Literary Rallies. Tradition said, we lead the way. First…when points are tallied.

Black and white. We did not fight. We all, worked hand in hand. With strong standards, were unified, within our Wildcat Band.

The trophies, were expected. And when, all’s said and done. With marching band, and concert band, we did it. Earned straight “One’s.”

Spring Homecoming. I served, as Student Council Sponsor. But in the end, a student led. She, had all the answers.

This event. A huge success. And much, to my surprise. That senior girl, who made it work. Years later, was my bride!

Final concert. Bittersweet. Tradition, did ring true. We smiled and played, just one more song. But hearts, were heavy too.

Rained and poured, throughout the night, on graduation day. If you ask me, just angel tears. For seniors, on their way

Learned so much, in one short year. What was, the reason why? “Tradition,” was the best teacher, who taught at Lake Charles High.

Band Officers, Lake Charles High 1979-80