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A small band's big adventure
On May 25-30, the Fort Scott High School band performed in the 2008 Chicago Music Festival Tour.
The band's trip included a performance at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History in addition to a performance at the Hancock Observatory. At both performances, the band played five musical pieces, which were taken from the band's spring repertoire.
According to Fort Scott Band Instructor James Fox, he received many compliments about the students while in Chicago. Although many people praised the band's musical talents, Fox said the students received compliments about their behavior as well.
Immediately following the band's performance at the Field Museum, several people approached Fox with praises about the band's music. This gave Fox a chance to tell many listeners about Fort Scott, he said. Adding that it drew exposure to the small Southeast Kansas.
Fort Scott High School Counselor Doug Altic, who accompanied the students on the trip, said the students performed very well. At the Hancock Observatory, he said, the students overcame unfavorable playing conditions and attracted many who were passing by. Even with temperatures in the 40s and strong winds, which blew some of the band member's music stands over, Altic said the band members played skillfully.
At the Field Museum, Fox said the students also faced a little bit of a challenge when they performed as the building was so large that it echoed a great deal. Altic said the students did a wonderful job here as well. One man enjoyed the performance so much that he danced while the students performed.
FSHS band member Dana Ballou said she really enjoyed the Chicago experience.
"We know everyone here (in Fort Scott) loves us, but it was really cool going to other places and having other people say we were awesome," Ballou said.
It was not just the musical experience, Fox said, that made the trip worth while. He said being able to expose the students to places outside of Fort Scott and Southeast Kansas helps to create more rounded youth.
Altic added that being able to interact with people who are from different places is an eye-opening experience.
FSHS teacher's aide Theresa Buntain said the trip to Chicago was extremely successful as it provided many educational experiences for the local students. The students were able to see and experience several things that they would not normally see in a small town. They experienced a level of artistic culture that they do not ordinarily get to see.
One major difference in the people the students encountered while in Chicago was a difference in spoken language. Altic said many of the people who stopped to listen to the students perform spoke languages other than English. Although the students did not speak the same language as everyone who stopped by to listen, the band performed in a language that everyone could understand, as music is universal, Fox said.
Fox said he is very appreciative of the people in Fort Scott who provided the financial backing in order for the band to travel to Chicago.
"I want to say thank you to Fort Scott. A lot of financial backing helped us get there (Chicago)," Fox said. "Local support has been phenomenal. People in this town have shown a willingness to support the youth of Fort Scott and have put faith in a growing band program and the kids."