By. Jonathan Widener
For the past three and a half years, I have been privileged (after being out of work for the previous eight months before that) to work for Lowe's. This wonderful employer has come out with a new ad for carpet. Lowe's: How to Say Goodbye to 1993 Forever
Now, I was 16 in 1993, and I'll be truthful. There are many things about that year I don't really want to go back and revisit. One thing about 1993 I don't want to say goodbye to are the days that I spent as part of the Hibriten High School Band.
High school bands, for a lot of people, are a source of ridicule. For others, just a way to pass the time. However, in Caldwell County, high school bands have been a source of pride for 90 years. Starting in March 1924 with the founding of the Lenoir High School Band by Capt. James Harper, Lenoir became famous for band music. That band would travel all over the state and the nation, playing for Governors, in parades, and with noted composers such as Percy Grainger. Lenoir High developed a high standard of music and performed at such a level for 50 years. It's a level that might never be reached again.
In 1966 Hibriten High School opened, the consolidation of Happy Valley, Kings Creek, and Oak Hill High Schools. John Craig was hired as the school's Chorus teacher. Band wasn't even a thought for the school. Students came to him requesting to start a band. It started slowly, considering that instruments had to be acquired, and they didn't even have an official place to practice until the 70s. But the band grew, thanks to the foresight of Mr. Craig. Craig was responsible for bringing in the former Lenoir High director George Kirsten. Kirsten eventually took over the Hibriten Band program.
Through the years several directors have led the group. A band which is approaching 50 years of history itself. Since 1994, Hibriten's band has had 20 conescutive Superior ratings at state MPA festivals (what we used to call contest) and 51 overall between the Symphonic and Concert bands. Unfortunately, In the latter part of the last decade something unexpected happened. Band member numbers began falling. Interest in the group was waning.
Enter Facebook. A group of Hibriten Band alumni was created. The brainchild of Dr. Neal Isaac, a 1977 graduate, an event was held in 2011 called Loving Lenoir. The premise was this. Alumni would gather Friday night and play with the band in the stands.
Saturday would bring service to the community and meeting afterward for fun and memories. Sunday would bring a concert showcasing the talents of the alumni.
The alumni have also taken active roles in helping the band through donations and other support. A new director in 2012 brought fresh blood to the band, and the numbers have increased steadily by the year. The events of Loving Lenoir have grown as well. Even though I can't go this year (and I am muttering under my breath because of that- I'm missing for the second straight year!), record attendance by the alumni Friday night is anticipated. Saturday leads to assistance with Lenoir's new homeless shelter before Saturday night's gathering. Sunday's concert also promises to be grand and will feature the honoring of seven people from Caldwell County that have had a huge impact on music both here and in other places.
Want to go? Come to Hibriten High on Friday night. The game vs. St. Stephens starts at 7:30. If you're an alumnus, come to the band room between 5-5:30. A full schedule can be found here.
You can go home again. You don't have to say goodbye to 1993 totally. The best part? Even though I WAS a part of this group, I will ALWAYS be a part of the group. Just like it will always be part of me.
For the past three and a half years, I have been privileged (after being out of work for the previous eight months before that) to work for Lowe's. This wonderful employer has come out with a new ad for carpet. Lowe's: How to Say Goodbye to 1993 Forever
Now, I was 16 in 1993, and I'll be truthful. There are many things about that year I don't really want to go back and revisit. One thing about 1993 I don't want to say goodbye to are the days that I spent as part of the Hibriten High School Band.
In 1966 Hibriten High School opened, the consolidation of Happy Valley, Kings Creek, and Oak Hill High Schools. John Craig was hired as the school's Chorus teacher. Band wasn't even a thought for the school. Students came to him requesting to start a band. It started slowly, considering that instruments had to be acquired, and they didn't even have an official place to practice until the 70s. But the band grew, thanks to the foresight of Mr. Craig. Craig was responsible for bringing in the former Lenoir High director George Kirsten. Kirsten eventually took over the Hibriten Band program.
Through the years several directors have led the group. A band which is approaching 50 years of history itself. Since 1994, Hibriten's band has had 20 conescutive Superior ratings at state MPA festivals (what we used to call contest) and 51 overall between the Symphonic and Concert bands. Unfortunately, In the latter part of the last decade something unexpected happened. Band member numbers began falling. Interest in the group was waning.
Enter Facebook. A group of Hibriten Band alumni was created. The brainchild of Dr. Neal Isaac, a 1977 graduate, an event was held in 2011 called Loving Lenoir. The premise was this. Alumni would gather Friday night and play with the band in the stands.
The alumni have also taken active roles in helping the band through donations and other support. A new director in 2012 brought fresh blood to the band, and the numbers have increased steadily by the year. The events of Loving Lenoir have grown as well. Even though I can't go this year (and I am muttering under my breath because of that- I'm missing for the second straight year!), record attendance by the alumni Friday night is anticipated. Saturday leads to assistance with Lenoir's new homeless shelter before Saturday night's gathering. Sunday's concert also promises to be grand and will feature the honoring of seven people from Caldwell County that have had a huge impact on music both here and in other places.
Want to go? Come to Hibriten High on Friday night. The game vs. St. Stephens starts at 7:30. If you're an alumnus, come to the band room between 5-5:30. A full schedule can be found here.
You can go home again. You don't have to say goodbye to 1993 totally. The best part? Even though I WAS a part of this group, I will ALWAYS be a part of the group. Just like it will always be part of me.
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