FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 20, 2012
CONTACT:
Lisa McVey, Communications & Community Relations Liaison, 610-869-2441, ext. 1019
U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICAN MARCHING BAND SELECTS
AVON GROVE COLOR GUARD MEMBER
Sara Shores Earns Elite Status and Performs as Member of 2012 Marching Band
Avon Grove High School senior and color guard member Sara Shores performed at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl recently as part of a select group of student musicians and color guard members named to the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band and Color Guard.
Produced by All American Games, the Bowl featured the nation's top high school senior football players and marching musicians. The band, made up of 125 elite high school musicians and color guard members from across the country, performed during halftime at the Jan. 7 game where the West defeated the East 24-12 in front of 39,011 fans at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Shores, who is currently section leader and has been a member of the Avon Grove indoor color guard for three years, was selected for the All-American Marching Band following a comprehensive application and video audition process.
Musicians are chosen by the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band Selection Committee consisting of members of The National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Drum Corps International (DCI) and All American Games. Final All-American selection was made in July.
Shores’ selection was announced Dec. 9 during the U.S. Army’s selection tour. LTC Don McDannald and SFC Joey Jimenez, local representatives from the U.S. Army, presented Shores with an All-American cap and jacket during an assembly held in the Avon Grove High School auditorium.
In attendance were representatives from All American Games, and Shores’ family, friends, school administrators, and fellow members of the Avon Grove Red Devils Marching Band, including Band Director Rebecca Staznik, who was also recognized.
"We are so proud of Sara and all of her accomplishments in the color guard at Avon Grove High School,” said Staznik. “She has been a true leader, and we are pleased to have her represent the Avon Grove High School band and color guard in the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band."
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is now a 12-year tradition. This marks the fifth-year that an All-American Marching Band has been selected to perform at the annual game.
Following their selection, the members of the All-American band were given music and the marching routine, which they had to learn and practice on their own. Shores and her fellow All-Americans participated in weeklong festivities prior to the Bowl, and rehearsed for the first time together in the few days before the event.
During rehearsals, the band and color guard members worked with an all-star music staff to prepare for the performance, which was Webcast live by allamericangames.tv. The 2012 instructional staff hailed from all over the country and represents the best marching music programs and drum corps in the nation.
Lead Director for the performance was T. André Feagin from the University of Texas at El Paso. The drill was designed by Bob Buckner. Guard choreography was designed by Jennifer Leseth.
The 2012 program, titled “Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue!” featured an up tempo collage of popular American music, including “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by Hughie Prince and made famous by The Andrews Sisters.
Click here for the news announcement on Shores’ selection from All American Games. Click here for the complete 2012 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band roster. The 2012 halftime performance is viewable on YouTube.
Shores also performed with the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps in 2011. In 2009, the Avon Grove High School Marching Band received superior ratings, and in 2010 and 2011 they received superior ratings for their color guard. Also in 2011, the Avon Grove High School Marching Band finished at the Tournament of Bands Championships in Hershey Park, Pa., with their highest score and ranking in school history.
Posted:
January 19, 2012 2:16 PM
