July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Band says thanks (09/08/06)
Letter to the Editor
To the editor:
Another incredible summer season recently ended for Jay County's ambassadors, the Marching Patriot Band and Guard. Starting in late June and culminating on August 9th at the Indiana State Fair, these 189 young people marched in a half dozen parades, competed in as many competitions, attended a week-long camp, and devoted literally hundreds of hours practicing and polishing their rendition of "Western Sketches," this year's tribute to the American composer Aaron Copland.
Under Kelly Smeltzer's direction, the Patriots continued the tradition of excellence that the Jay community and entire state have come to expect. Mr. Smeltzer's team includes colleague and friend Pete Vogler; Cheryl Guise, assistant band director at JCHS; and Amy Grady, who took charge of the guard. In addition, the junior staff, all former Patriot band members, contributed much toward this year's success. Jason Hart, Devon Lykins, Leslie Schwartzkopf, Mark Garringer, Emilie Boyes, Samantha Hilfiker, Micah Enyart, Cody Grady, and Sarah Ullom were all tremendous assets.
Jay County's long tradition of excellence is intact. The band's efforts were rewarded with second place finishes in the Centerville, Muncie South, Winchester, and Jay County contests. At the Delaware County fair the band placed third. Forty-four bands competed at the State Fair and the Patriots captured second place. Jay County has finished in the top five at the Indiana State Fair for eighteen years in a row, the only band in history to do so. As usual, plans are already underway to extend the streak and to claim another state title.
As the summer ends, we would like to say thank you to the scores of people who have aided in the success of the band. This year's list is huge and the number of volunteers is remarkable.
First, a heartfelt thank you to the Portland Foundation for the matching grant that enabled the band to purchase several new and much needed instruments. We appreciate your benevolence.
To the officers and area coordinators: Jeri Franks, Jim Myers, Cathy Franks, Jane Miller, Carol and Dave Keihn, Cheryl Rowles, Kathy Ayers, and Stephanie Sain. Your help has been tremendous and makes the Band Boosters the strong organization that it is.
The Promotional Committee: co-chairs Kay Louth and Kathy Ayers, Lisa Barnett, Robin Alberson, , Lisa Price, Ruth Twigg, Jeri Franks, Tami Kaufman, Gloria Simons, Donna Richards, Betsy Fennig, Cathy Franks, Julie and Dean Barlow, Melissa Taylor, Julie Barber, Tammy Horn, Kris Wolford, Renee Blumenhorst, Lora Byrum, Lorette Horn, Brenda Sudhoff, Teresa Bowen, Anne Byers, Carolyn Carducci, Ramona Clark, Kay Corle, Rita Dunn, Cindy Ruchgy, Amy Sutton, Laura Baldwin, Michelle Funk, Helene Hartzell, and Teresa Kelly. You all did an amazing job and the kids especially appreciated the treats at band camp and state fair. You truly are spectacular.
To Priscilla McFarland and her volunteers who sewed flags and uniforms for the guard members and mended rips, tears, sewed buttons, etc.: Jennifer McGraw, Merlie Thinnes; Brianna, Kelsey, and Haley Louth; and Charlene Moser. Also to Sandy McGraw, Kay Louth, Lisa Barnett, Donna Richards, Michelle Frank, Laura Baldwin, and Lorette Horn for pinning uniforms. Finally, to Amy Grady, Maureen Miller, Amy Blakely, and Colleen Bicknell for sewing guard costumes. You all are unsung heroes to the band.
To the Coca Cola Bottling Company, Pennville Pantry, Pak a Sak, McDonald's of Portland, Ken Schwieterman and Portland True Value of Portland, and Old National Bank for supplying water (200 bottles or more) for each of the competitions and two times on State Fair Band Day. Thanks also to an anonymous donor who supplied a round of Gatorade for the band at State Fair. Thanks to LoBill and Wal-Mart for their generous donations and also to Dr. and Mrs. David and Robbin Fullenkamp. Your generosity is an integral part of summer competitions - the students look forward to the drinks after marching, and they were especially critical this hot summer.
To our "builders and craftsmen": Rob Kaufman, Teresa Kelly, Rob Frazee, and Jerry Hartzell for building fences, and Jim Myers for building our percussion carts.
To Helene Hartzell who was in charge of the hospitality tent at the Jay County contest and to the following donors: Mike Hickerson of Mike's RENT-ALL; Tyson Foods; Fisher Packing; Redkey IGA; LoBill Supermarket; Rhonda Brinkley and Subway; Wal-Mart; Jay Petroleum; American Red Cross and Brooke Aker; and for all the parents who helped to welcome visiting band staffs.
To Lisa Barnett who tirelessly hawked band booster merchandise and to all the parents who helped sell throughout the season.
To our band dad "Corral Crew" who manned the fences at each contest: Jeff Corle, Scott Hilfiker, Jim McCord, Jeff Bauman, Jason Rice, Jim Lucas, Bud Heare, Walter Dickison, Danny Ellsworth, Mark Horn, Greg Franks, and Mike Ayers.
To my wife, Nora, for all her help and support.
To the band and guard parents who gave of their time and money to chaperone at band camp at Miami University. Your willingness to play parent to 189 students was appreciated.
To Giles and Barbie Laux for photographing the band and making buttons, and to Patriot Sportswear. Thanks for your generosity and help.
To the parents who supplied drinks, freezer pops, and ice cream for the band members during practices. The drinks and treats were always a welcome break.
To our "Super Senior" who came back and performed: Dustin Habegger.
To the dads who pulled additional trailers and trucks to transport our show equipment: Jim Lucas, Scott Hilfiker, and Greg Franks.
To the Lions Clubs of Jay County for sponsoring our local band contest and their continued recognition of our youth every year.
To those who helped us host the Jay County contest: Jim Myers, John Warner, Mindy Weaver, Jason Hart, Jamie and Katy Smeltzer, and Nora Stephens.
To the Jay County Fair Association for holding the band contest on one of the state's best fairgrounds.
To Bill Bussear and the Jay School Food Service for allowing us to use the truck.
To the band parents who dispensed water at the local band contest to all of the marching bands who competed, with special thanks to Jeri Franks.
To James Brosher, Mary Ann Lewis, and Jack Ronald of the Commercial Review and Rob Weaver and WPGW for their coverage of the contests.
Thank you for your support and recognition of all the band and guard members through the use of pictures, editorials, and radio interviews. The features on the band were much appreciated this year.
To the area businesses that displayed pictures and signs saluting the band throughout the season and especially during the period leading up to State Fair. The countywide support is incredible.
To the Jay County Sheriff's Department, Mitch Sutton, and Greg Franks for the escort on State Fair Band Day. It was a great sendoff and reception.
To the Jay County community for your support through donations and your attendance at the competitions and the state fair dress rehearsal.
To Rob and Bonita Frazee for pulling the band trailer to every competition and trip that the band and guard take. Your spirit and enthusiasm are infectious, and the kids appreciate you.
To the Jay Patriot Band Boosters for all the time and resources you volunteer each year. Some of you still help out after your personal children have graduated. We are lucky to have your support.
To the Jay Schools and Ron Krieg for spraying for mosquitoes. To JCHS and Jay Schools administration, and the custodial staff at JCHS. To Lee Newman, East Jay Middle School, the kitchen and the custodial staffs for allowing us to store our water in your cooler. Your hospitality is much appreciated.
To our bus drivers who become part of the extended band family: Rene Denton, Barb Stults, Carol Lykins, Judy Schoenlein, Janet Dunmoyer and Betty LeMaster. Special thanks to Teresa Myers, transportation coordinator for JSC. Thank you.
To our remarkable band staff: Thank you. Thank you for teaching our sons and daughters how to play music and march. More than that, thank you for teaching them about excellence, for setting lofty goals and then guiding them to accomplish amazing feats, and for creating a huge family that works and plays hard, laughs, cries, and celebrates together. Thank you for caring about our kids and providing these memories that will forever be etched into their lives. All the while, you remain humble, giving all the credit to the kids and constantly reminding them to be proud but not prideful. This is the kind of character education the whole world needs, and we have a bounty in our hometown. You are truly part of the treasure in Jay County and we are proud to claim you as our own.
And finally, a note of thanks to the Jay County Marching Patriot Band and Guard: We love you and are proud of you. In our hearts you always take first place. You understand dedication and devotion; one only need observe your tremendous efforts in the hot sun at evening practices or at band camp from sunup to sunset daily, and your willingness to listen to your directors and give one hundred percent day after day. This dedication will serve you (and your community) well in the future. You can achieve whatever goals you set; keep your aspirations high. We will all benefit from it. You have the respect and support of your entire community, the love of your parents and friends, and incredible memories from the summer. Next summer holds new horizons and we are confident the Marching Patriots will be up to the challenge.
Hundreds of caring individuals help perpetuate this tradition of excellence. Thank you for the part each of you plays. I have been honored and proud to be associated with this amazing group.
Dolphus Stephens, president
Jay Patriots Band Boosters[[In-content Ad]]
Another incredible summer season recently ended for Jay County's ambassadors, the Marching Patriot Band and Guard. Starting in late June and culminating on August 9th at the Indiana State Fair, these 189 young people marched in a half dozen parades, competed in as many competitions, attended a week-long camp, and devoted literally hundreds of hours practicing and polishing their rendition of "Western Sketches," this year's tribute to the American composer Aaron Copland.
Under Kelly Smeltzer's direction, the Patriots continued the tradition of excellence that the Jay community and entire state have come to expect. Mr. Smeltzer's team includes colleague and friend Pete Vogler; Cheryl Guise, assistant band director at JCHS; and Amy Grady, who took charge of the guard. In addition, the junior staff, all former Patriot band members, contributed much toward this year's success. Jason Hart, Devon Lykins, Leslie Schwartzkopf, Mark Garringer, Emilie Boyes, Samantha Hilfiker, Micah Enyart, Cody Grady, and Sarah Ullom were all tremendous assets.
Jay County's long tradition of excellence is intact. The band's efforts were rewarded with second place finishes in the Centerville, Muncie South, Winchester, and Jay County contests. At the Delaware County fair the band placed third. Forty-four bands competed at the State Fair and the Patriots captured second place. Jay County has finished in the top five at the Indiana State Fair for eighteen years in a row, the only band in history to do so. As usual, plans are already underway to extend the streak and to claim another state title.
As the summer ends, we would like to say thank you to the scores of people who have aided in the success of the band. This year's list is huge and the number of volunteers is remarkable.
First, a heartfelt thank you to the Portland Foundation for the matching grant that enabled the band to purchase several new and much needed instruments. We appreciate your benevolence.
To the officers and area coordinators: Jeri Franks, Jim Myers, Cathy Franks, Jane Miller, Carol and Dave Keihn, Cheryl Rowles, Kathy Ayers, and Stephanie Sain. Your help has been tremendous and makes the Band Boosters the strong organization that it is.
The Promotional Committee: co-chairs Kay Louth and Kathy Ayers, Lisa Barnett, Robin Alberson, , Lisa Price, Ruth Twigg, Jeri Franks, Tami Kaufman, Gloria Simons, Donna Richards, Betsy Fennig, Cathy Franks, Julie and Dean Barlow, Melissa Taylor, Julie Barber, Tammy Horn, Kris Wolford, Renee Blumenhorst, Lora Byrum, Lorette Horn, Brenda Sudhoff, Teresa Bowen, Anne Byers, Carolyn Carducci, Ramona Clark, Kay Corle, Rita Dunn, Cindy Ruchgy, Amy Sutton, Laura Baldwin, Michelle Funk, Helene Hartzell, and Teresa Kelly. You all did an amazing job and the kids especially appreciated the treats at band camp and state fair. You truly are spectacular.
To Priscilla McFarland and her volunteers who sewed flags and uniforms for the guard members and mended rips, tears, sewed buttons, etc.: Jennifer McGraw, Merlie Thinnes; Brianna, Kelsey, and Haley Louth; and Charlene Moser. Also to Sandy McGraw, Kay Louth, Lisa Barnett, Donna Richards, Michelle Frank, Laura Baldwin, and Lorette Horn for pinning uniforms. Finally, to Amy Grady, Maureen Miller, Amy Blakely, and Colleen Bicknell for sewing guard costumes. You all are unsung heroes to the band.
To the Coca Cola Bottling Company, Pennville Pantry, Pak a Sak, McDonald's of Portland, Ken Schwieterman and Portland True Value of Portland, and Old National Bank for supplying water (200 bottles or more) for each of the competitions and two times on State Fair Band Day. Thanks also to an anonymous donor who supplied a round of Gatorade for the band at State Fair. Thanks to LoBill and Wal-Mart for their generous donations and also to Dr. and Mrs. David and Robbin Fullenkamp. Your generosity is an integral part of summer competitions - the students look forward to the drinks after marching, and they were especially critical this hot summer.
To our "builders and craftsmen": Rob Kaufman, Teresa Kelly, Rob Frazee, and Jerry Hartzell for building fences, and Jim Myers for building our percussion carts.
To Helene Hartzell who was in charge of the hospitality tent at the Jay County contest and to the following donors: Mike Hickerson of Mike's RENT-ALL; Tyson Foods; Fisher Packing; Redkey IGA; LoBill Supermarket; Rhonda Brinkley and Subway; Wal-Mart; Jay Petroleum; American Red Cross and Brooke Aker; and for all the parents who helped to welcome visiting band staffs.
To Lisa Barnett who tirelessly hawked band booster merchandise and to all the parents who helped sell throughout the season.
To our band dad "Corral Crew" who manned the fences at each contest: Jeff Corle, Scott Hilfiker, Jim McCord, Jeff Bauman, Jason Rice, Jim Lucas, Bud Heare, Walter Dickison, Danny Ellsworth, Mark Horn, Greg Franks, and Mike Ayers.
To my wife, Nora, for all her help and support.
To the band and guard parents who gave of their time and money to chaperone at band camp at Miami University. Your willingness to play parent to 189 students was appreciated.
To Giles and Barbie Laux for photographing the band and making buttons, and to Patriot Sportswear. Thanks for your generosity and help.
To the parents who supplied drinks, freezer pops, and ice cream for the band members during practices. The drinks and treats were always a welcome break.
To our "Super Senior" who came back and performed: Dustin Habegger.
To the dads who pulled additional trailers and trucks to transport our show equipment: Jim Lucas, Scott Hilfiker, and Greg Franks.
To the Lions Clubs of Jay County for sponsoring our local band contest and their continued recognition of our youth every year.
To those who helped us host the Jay County contest: Jim Myers, John Warner, Mindy Weaver, Jason Hart, Jamie and Katy Smeltzer, and Nora Stephens.
To the Jay County Fair Association for holding the band contest on one of the state's best fairgrounds.
To Bill Bussear and the Jay School Food Service for allowing us to use the truck.
To the band parents who dispensed water at the local band contest to all of the marching bands who competed, with special thanks to Jeri Franks.
To James Brosher, Mary Ann Lewis, and Jack Ronald of the Commercial Review and Rob Weaver and WPGW for their coverage of the contests.
Thank you for your support and recognition of all the band and guard members through the use of pictures, editorials, and radio interviews. The features on the band were much appreciated this year.
To the area businesses that displayed pictures and signs saluting the band throughout the season and especially during the period leading up to State Fair. The countywide support is incredible.
To the Jay County Sheriff's Department, Mitch Sutton, and Greg Franks for the escort on State Fair Band Day. It was a great sendoff and reception.
To the Jay County community for your support through donations and your attendance at the competitions and the state fair dress rehearsal.
To Rob and Bonita Frazee for pulling the band trailer to every competition and trip that the band and guard take. Your spirit and enthusiasm are infectious, and the kids appreciate you.
To the Jay Patriot Band Boosters for all the time and resources you volunteer each year. Some of you still help out after your personal children have graduated. We are lucky to have your support.
To the Jay Schools and Ron Krieg for spraying for mosquitoes. To JCHS and Jay Schools administration, and the custodial staff at JCHS. To Lee Newman, East Jay Middle School, the kitchen and the custodial staffs for allowing us to store our water in your cooler. Your hospitality is much appreciated.
To our bus drivers who become part of the extended band family: Rene Denton, Barb Stults, Carol Lykins, Judy Schoenlein, Janet Dunmoyer and Betty LeMaster. Special thanks to Teresa Myers, transportation coordinator for JSC. Thank you.
To our remarkable band staff: Thank you. Thank you for teaching our sons and daughters how to play music and march. More than that, thank you for teaching them about excellence, for setting lofty goals and then guiding them to accomplish amazing feats, and for creating a huge family that works and plays hard, laughs, cries, and celebrates together. Thank you for caring about our kids and providing these memories that will forever be etched into their lives. All the while, you remain humble, giving all the credit to the kids and constantly reminding them to be proud but not prideful. This is the kind of character education the whole world needs, and we have a bounty in our hometown. You are truly part of the treasure in Jay County and we are proud to claim you as our own.
And finally, a note of thanks to the Jay County Marching Patriot Band and Guard: We love you and are proud of you. In our hearts you always take first place. You understand dedication and devotion; one only need observe your tremendous efforts in the hot sun at evening practices or at band camp from sunup to sunset daily, and your willingness to listen to your directors and give one hundred percent day after day. This dedication will serve you (and your community) well in the future. You can achieve whatever goals you set; keep your aspirations high. We will all benefit from it. You have the respect and support of your entire community, the love of your parents and friends, and incredible memories from the summer. Next summer holds new horizons and we are confident the Marching Patriots will be up to the challenge.
Hundreds of caring individuals help perpetuate this tradition of excellence. Thank you for the part each of you plays. I have been honored and proud to be associated with this amazing group.
Dolphus Stephens, president
Jay Patriots Band Boosters[[In-content Ad]]
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