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The Big Rapids High School stage band shown above was carrying on a long stage band tradition started by band director Aldie Long. This picture was posed for the yearbook. By the time of the Band Follies, the group had spread across the stage, as they did in other years and added personnel to fill out the trumpet and sax sections.
The saxophone section includes (left to right) sophomore Jim Braendle on baritone, seventh grader Willie Fickes and freshman Karol Kraas on lead alto, sophomore Sue Bowden on tenor, and junior JoAnne Donley on second alto.
In the second row, junior Evelyn Martz plays flute, freshman Glen Newton (with solotone mute) plays lead trumpet, and senior Paul Dugas (a French horn player in the concert band) plays second trumpet.
In the third row, the trombone section consists of seniors Roland Wisner and Bob Corsaut, freshman Bob Huxol, and senior Mary Farnsworth.
Senior Ann Magee (a percussionist in the concert band) plays piano. In the spring Ann did more piano than percussion playing, because she accompanied most of the students who needed an accompanist in the Solo and Ensemble Festival. In recognition of this contribution throughout her high school years, in addition to playing bells in the marching band, piano in the stage band, and percussion in the concert band, director Aldie Long awarded Ann the Music Medal not only in her senior year but also in her sophomore year!
Sophomore Chris Bensick (a tubist in the concert band) plays string bass, and junior Eddie Roberts is at the drum set.