The Flare
Monday, August 25, 2014 Vol. 78 No. 1 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Playing her
own tune
Ranger Band member has tuba-lar outlook on life TORY VAN BLARCUM Issue Editor
A
s a young girl Kellsie Ruiz didn’t want to fit in. “I wanted to be different,” she said. With a passion for music she joined the band in the sixth grade playing the clarinet but felt it wasn’t for her. She asked her band director to switch instruments but was denied. The next year she asked him to play the tuba, but was once again denied. In the eighth grade things were looking up for Ruiz. She was finally allowed to play her instrument of choice, the tuba, because there were no other tuba players. “My favorite part of playing the tuba would be the challenge,” she said. Ruiz graduated from Sabine High School in 2013 and is starting her second year as a member of the Ranger Band. Ruiz earned first chair and
section leader honors during tryouts last spring and is now over 11 tuba players. As the only female in her section, she will continue to stand out while marching. “I really want to explore and experiment with vocals this year,” Ruiz said, “Maybe look into musical theatre.” In addition to playing the tuba, she also has a strong singing voice. Oftentimes she can be seen singing, dancing or a combination of both. Ruiz plans to transfer Texas A&M University - Commerce and earn a degree in musical education. WANT TO JOIN THE BAND? It’s not too late to be part of the largest Ranger Band in nearly a decade, said Glen Wells, band director. Scholarships are available and band members have several performance opportunities throughout the year. Stop by the Band Hall behind Masters Gym and talk to Wells or call him at 903-983-8272.
Sara Holmes
THE FLARE
– Kellsie Ruiz
Registration remains steady; fluctuation likely Contact hours also an important factor FROM STAFF REPORTS
THE FLARE
KCPD Lieutenant Tony Means
As of Thursday morning, KC enrollment was 5,453. This number includes all students who have been dropped for nonpayment. At this same time last fall (2013) KC had 5,573 students which is a 2.1 percent decrease if compared fall-to-fall on the same day. “Each year, this initial enrollment count after Late Registration drops fluctuates. Enrollment will go up between now and the first class day. How far, we’re not sure yet,” said Chris Gore, director of admissions and registrar. “We’re expecting enrollment
to be either close to the same as last fall or a small decrease. We’ll have a better picture the first week of school.” After Late Registration drops last spring, KC had 5,282 students enrolled and ended up with a certified Spring 2014 enrollment of 5,534. “The real number that we’ll be looking at soon will be the number of contact hours,” Gore said. “Enrollment is important, but the contact hours are what really matter as far as state funding for the college.” Enrollment will not be final until the 12 class day, Sept. 10, and will not be certified by the state as official until October.