June 22, 1984, Hawkeye, Page 3
|
|||
Students See D. C.
by Susan Mandell |
 Band Strikes It Up In Maryland |
||
| On Sunday, Ivlay 20, 1984, buses pulled out of Colonia High School with five students from J.P. Stevens and one advisor. The destination of the buses was Washington, D.C., the nation's capitol. The students were going on a trip which is known as Close-Up. Close-Up is an organization that encourages the involvement of young people in the democratic process. It brings high school students and their advisors to D.C. for a week-long on-site learning experience. Every week, two states are joined and become one. The week that J.P.S. was involved, students from Vermont were in D.C. Two people from each state roomed together, and also became very close with one another as the days went on. There were 165 students staying at the Sheraton National Hotel, in Arlington, Virginia. The students were divided into eight workshop groups. These groups met on a daily basis. They gave students the time to voice their opinions ov various subjects, such as prayer in school, a national age, drunk driving laws, and abortion. While in workshop, the students were involved in a mock senate meeting, a tour of the Capitol, and a lot of laughter. It was with the help of the Program Instructor that let the student learn everything there is to know about the nation. While not in workshop, students were at seminars. The students heard speeches made by Senator |
Bradley, Lou Ingram, Clarence , Thomas, and Eleanor Clift. The students also witnessed a debate between a liberal and a conservative. People from Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines also spoke about de. fense issues. The group was involved . with walking workshops and bus , tours. One day was spent solely on Capitol Hill, meeting with senators and congressmen. Friday was the day for the students to do whatever , they wanted to. Many visited the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the infamous shopping city, Georgetown. The trip was also a week long social event. New friends were made. There was a play, a "burger and boogie" night, a banquet, and a disco. The kids also took advantage of the indoor swimming pool. It was very interesting to see how students from different parts of the country interact with one another. Close-Up was a terrific experience. It taught students so much about the nation's capitol. Students were given the chance to go to the Senate and the House, to speak with key policymakers, and to learn how our government functions. The seminars were interesting, the nights were fun-filled. Close-Up is not just a must for people who are interested in politics; it should be something that every student should take advantage of. |
||
Three busloads of students, plenty of music, and an abundance of fun; that's what makes up the J.P. Stevens Marching Band, and this year that's just what it brought to Ocean City, Maryland for the Annual Festival of Music Convention. However, there was more to the trip than all fun and games. Several months ago the competition was only a dream which took many hours of long hard work to transform into reality. The band played and the squads twirled and cheered until everyone reached exhaustion. On Thursday, May 3 at 8:50 A.M. the preparation came to an end. There could be no more wrong notes, no more marching on the wrong foot out of time, and no more dropped batons, flags, or rifles for the weekend of the competition had finally arrived and it was time for the band and squads to board the |
buses. It was several hours later when they pulled up at the Fenwick Inn which was to be the home of the unit for the next three days. The Jazz Band started off the actio vities upon arrival and wasted no time in showing off its talent. After an amazing audio display, the band members learned that they were awarded First Place In their division and were the only band to receive a superior rating. Jerry Karycki was awarded a trophy for Outstanding Musician. In addition, the trumpet line was awarded Outstanding Brass Une and the percussion line received an Outstanding Rhythm Section award. Afterwards, as a celebration, the Band Parents threw a pool party for the J.P.S. students. The following day, Friday, also proved to be a day of excitement. After waking up and spending the afternoon on the boardwalk of Ocean City, the Marching Hawks presented their award winning half.time show. The band was awarded Third Place for its efforts In this competition. On Friday night, the band mambers traveled to another hotel where they enjoyed themselves at a dance with a live band. Everyone was awakened at 6:15 A.M. on Saturday so that they could board the buses on route to the Individual squad competitions at continued on Page 16 |
||
Choir Sings Way to Va. |
|||
On the weekend of April 20th21st, the J.P. Stevens Choir, under the direction of Ms. Ginny Moravek, attended the Fourth Annual Music In the Parks Festival In Williamsburg, Virginia. Forty-eight students from J.P.S. participated in the competition on Friday and visited "The Olde Country" at Busch Gardens, a Virginia version of Great Adventure, on Saturday. Ms. Moravek and the choir were the lucky recipients of five awards |
Including: first place for Best MixedChoir, third place for Best Chamber Choir, first place for Best Barbershop Quartet (consisting of members Phil Montero, Andy Simon, Joe Ricci, and Jordan Peck), and second place for Best Show Choir (consisting of member Beth Juskow, Marcy Gruber, Chris Benl, Rlsa Glass, Sandy Kurtz, Patty Grygo, and Audrey Cohen). In addition, Audrey Cohen had the special distinction of belng awarded Best Soloist. |
Due to their outstanding performance at the competition, the J.P. Stevens Choir has been honored by receiving a special Invitation to represent North America at the 14th Annual International Youth and Music Festival In Vienna, Austria In July of 1985. |
|
 |
 |
||