Superior performances

Story by Jennifer Wallace

Ray s of autumn sun spotlighted the newly acquired marching area as the 155 members of the Marching Flames Band practiced for an upcoming game

This was where the band lived — notin the glitterand glory of the half-time show, but during the long,strenuous hours inthe band room and on the practice field Members reported one week early at thebeginning of the fallsemester to prepare forthe opening game against Delta State University on September 4th They worked allday during band camp, breaking only for meals

Daily practices lasted from one to two hours,depending on the changes informations and the difficulty of new songs These practices were supplemented with two hours of drilling every Saturday

Band members found Director Ray Locy a demanding leader who requiredspiritual, academic, and social excellence from his officers, and superior performance from his band They honored his expectation with their diligence and exceptional delivery at half-time

"This was LBC's best band ever in attitude,spirit, musical talent, and willingness to work," Locy said. "There just aren't enough superlatives to describe our group."

One ofthe most talked-about aspects of thisyear's band was the flagcorps Out of 25 girls,only four had notable experience with flag routines Field Commander Julie Nelson, who choreographed the routines, was impressed with their progress. "I'm proud ofthem," Nelson said "They'vedeveloped over my expectations They've really become a professional corps."

Audiences seemed to agree,expressing appreciation fortheir polished maneuvers

When questioned about her choreographic ideas,Nelson said,"Itry to developexciting, unusual routines that accent the music Ittakes from 30 minutes totwo hours, depending on the length and complication of the score."

A prime example was her rendition of

"La Suerte De Los Tontos," an upbeat Spanish jazz piece featuring imaginative flag and rifle maneuvers, a trombone and trumpet duet and a trumpet solo. Lead trumpet Mark McClenahan, who also did theopening solofor "1980," observed that each presentation was differentas he grew more involved in the mood of the music

"You can always add a little to each performance because there'salways room for improvement," said McClenahan. The presentation was also highlighted by the superior execution of Steve Reitenour's percussion section.

Besides itsappearances at allsix home games, the band traveled to Delaware StateUniversity and participated inLynchburg's Kaleidescope Festivaldowntown on September 24th.

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Lyingprone,drummers enjoy theirpart of the"Linus and Lucy" stunt that was a percussionist half-time feature duringone of the home-field games.

Determination and motivation promoted precise movements assophomore Rick Cline andjunior Scott Perschke blared away on low brassduring an afternoon practice in theshadow of Liberty Mountain.

Cinder the command of junior Julie Nelson and sophomore Tom Talley, themarching band earned its nickname "Spirit ofthe Mountain " with its zealand enthusiasm displayed on thesidelines at football games. Y: