Sean Kelly

Hey, my name is Sean Kelly. I am the Section leader of

Drum line for our school. The trip to Washington D.C. was an honor we were proud accept.

We toured all over the city, including the Washington Monument, the Thomas Jefferson Monument, the Smithsonian Museums, and Vietnam Memorial.  I realized what sacrifices were made in order for us to have our freedoms. Then came parade day...which turned out to be awesome :D! We were doing a pretty good job throughout the parade, but right as the spot light hit us as we marched towards the president, we lit that place up. It was great to represent Colorado,  and I hope that we made everyone proud of us. There is no better way to graduate than knowing that we have accomplished as much as we have throughout this year. Thank you everyone for your support and donations.  I felt as if all of Colorado was there in Washington with us.  We could not have done it without you.  Thank you,

Sean Kelly

Kyle: Giving it Our All

This is Kyle Stolz!!! Band this year was by far my most memorable and favorite experience that i have ever had. In my mind, this band is my family. We have been through good and bad times. After Laramie it seemed like all we wanted to do was quit but we knew it was just us speaking out of being so tired. Every band member this year gave it their all. I have respect for everyone in this band. They are definitely my family. I will miss every one whether they're a senior or an underclassman. I would also like to thank our wonderful band directors Mr. Drase and Mrs. Claeys. They helped form this wonderful band and now look at us. If anything they deserve all of the credit for all that our band has done this year.


[Kyle was a member of the "pit" during the season and switched to marching cymbals for the inaugural parade. Like many other band members, he helped raise funds for the trip. The top photo shows him outside King Soopers.]

Priscilla: On Early Practices

Our biggest challenge getting ready for this trip was waking up early for more of those zero hour (7 am) practices. My favorite practice before leaving for DC was the last one, because it was the last one and now I'll be able to sleep a little longer again.

When we get to DC, I'm looking forward to going to the Smithsonian because it is so big and has so many interesting things to see.

[This blog entry was dictated enroute to DC. Priscilla plays the flute. At some point, I need to follow up with her and ask whether getting up at 4 or 5 am in Washington has affected her thinking about sleeping in until 7! Priscilla also wins the award for appearing in the most photos with Governor and Mrs Ritter.]

Katrina: On Flag Twirling

When we're twirling our flags, we have to be really "snappy" with our motions. It's important to be precise so we look good. That can be hard. I think the Visual Ensemble improved a lot over the season and our confidence increased. When we won State, I was kind of shocked. In fact, everyone seemed shocked and then we started moving around and congratulating people and being excited. It was amazing. I'm really glad we got picked to go to Washington. I hope we do good and don't make mistakes in front of the president.




[Katrina Hocking is a freshman member of the Visual Ensemble. She originally dictated this blog entry enroute to DC.]

Paul: Drumline

The drumline is very hard work compared to most musicians because we have to do different marching techniques than everyone else in the band such as crab walking (side-to-side stepping). Being with other musicians who share the same instrument was fun.

My mom was one of the people who came up with the idea of trying to get this band to Washington DC. She comes up with lots of ideas. Sometimes you think, "No way". And then her idea turns out to be a good one.

[Paul Fuerstenberger often helps move instruments other than his own on and off the field at MB competitions. He also added a certain excitement to the band directors' morning on Inauguration Day -- they know what I mean! ;^) His mom, Pat, is in the picture below with Paul and Governor Ritter.]

Ben: Stars and Stripes

Being part of the marching band is kind of a new experience for me. I was part of a band in Middle School but nothing quite like this. Going to Washington DC and being amongst greatness on this level is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it is very exciting. Carrying the American flag in the parade is an honor. The flag symbolizes the country and is our band's connection to the President. I'll remember this forever.

[Ben Martin is a remarkable singing talent, sings in WHS vocal jazz and choir groups, and had the starring male role in the WHS production of "Anything Goes". During the MB season, he narrated the Four Freedoms.]

Connor: Band Awesomeness

Hi, its me Connor, the really really tall trumpet. I just wanted to let all you guys reading this know that this was, by far, the best band year....no...the best year of my life so far thanks to all of the amazing oportunities presented by working with such an

awesome group.

I really couldn't ask for a more enjoyable and

memorable senior year, and its not even over yet! I love all of you and hope that you have successful and long full lives :)

[Connor Netherton is quiet and unassuming but strikes a pose while playing and marching that epitomizes the "Pride of Windsor".]