Search
-
December 6, 2018After being dormant for decades, Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School's marching band is back and exceling as part of school's music department.
The man behind the renaissance is Jeremy Clifton, now in his fourth year as an instructor and music director. He has seen the participation, skill and recognition soar for the program. The marching band had been inactive since the 1970s.
When he was first hired in 2014, Clifton had four students in the instrument band and only nine in the girls’ choir. The boys’ choir didn’t exist. That all changed in a short time as more and more students started to show an interest in playing instruments as well as vocals.
Today, about 60 students are involved in the music programs.
"When you consider we have about 400 students total, that's a big percentage," he said.
Clifton’s effort and that of his students has been noticed by Principal Talita DeNegri.
"We are extremely proud of Dr. Clifton's accomplishments in our music department," she said. "It has been such an uplifting feeling to see and hear the excitement of the students, the parents, the entire Mount family with the revival of our music program."
Perhaps some of it rests in Clifton's ability to get the most out of his students. During his career, he also has been an athletic coach. One of his current duties is serving as track coach at the Mount.
"I coach like I teach; and I teach like I coach," he said.
He explained that once students realize they can make sounds with a musical instrument, it inspires them to try harder.
"I like to give ownership of the music to the students," he said. "I also tell them to sing through their mistake and to never stop playing and never stop singing."
Clifton said it took time to develop the program.
"Learning to be part of the marching band is hard," he said. "It involves a lot of hours."
Yet, through it all, Clifton said the students take pride in what they are doing and become a part of a cohesive, close group.
Just ask junior student Tony Leon.
"The music department is like another home," Leon said. "All of us together make up another family where we can express our love for music."
Student Calliope Staudt said students are “always smiling, joking and laughing.” The senior vocal music ensemble member said music has provided new horizons.
“This department has opened up incredible opportunities for me that I wouldn’t have even known about like Quartz Mountain and All State choir,” Staudt said.
This year, the revived marching band took part in competition in Alva. The band performed for the Rockets at both home and away football games. For the past few years, they've also sent choirs, soloists and instrument groups to other events where they've earned awards and recognition.
Clifton said student involvement in the music program enhances their academic performance.
"It helps the students get focused and be better with what they do," he said. “Music is constantly providing challenges to students, which is the way it should be.”
Steve Gust is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Photo: Band members pray before they take the field at the OSSAA Comptition.
