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Band plays on
By Julie Anne Fidler
Lititz Record Express
Published: Jul 17, 2008 1:52 PM EST
Warwick -
Returning Warwick High School marching band members have a new face guiding
them this year.
Rebecca Milley has taken over as the new director,
on the heels of the controversy surrounding her predecessor, Todd Sheerer.
Last year, Sheerer made headlines when it was revealed that he had engaged
in an inappropriate relationship with a female student from January 2006
until January 2008.
In recent months, Sheerer had been a top news
story — one that affected the Warwick Warrior morale. Milley,
however, is determined not to focus on the past, but to push on into the
future.
Hailing from Parkesburg, she comes to the area with a wealth
of knowledge, expertise and, most of all, passion.
Before coming to
Lititz, Milley graduated from West Chester University with a degree in
music education, and also taught her alma mater's marching band. She
spent four years as the band director at Downingtown West High School, and
also taught and directed bands at Owen J. Roberts and
Coatesville.
In addition to teaching, she performed with the
Crossmen Drum Corps. According to the group's Web site, the Crossmen
have been in existence for 33 years and began in Allentown. The drum corps
is comprised of 150 performers between the ages of 14 and 22. They perform
9- to 11-minute programs on a standard football field, and are required to
"march in intricate patterns, formations, and transitions, which are
coordinated with a musical production." Its purpose is to offer
students the opportunity to perform, but to also learn life skills and
leadership.
It was the Warrior commitment to excellence that drew
her to Warwick. And while she was aware of what occurred here last year,
Milley is focused on bringing the fun and passion back to the marching
band.
"I want to help the kids get back on track," she
said, "to provide stability so they can do that."
If that
means helping kids work through the events of last year, that's fine
with her, as long she can get her 85 members focused on many months of
practice, sacrifice and, hopefully, sweet rewards.
Practice for the
upcoming band season is underway. Milley says the students rehearse at
least twice a week during the summer, not to mention three weeks of band
camp. There are seven competitions this year, with the first one being
Sept. 13. Milley also raves about the band parents and their unwavering
support.
"They've been incredible," she said, "so
supportive of me, and helpful."
Even though last year was
painful, and this year is bound to be one of transition, Milley believes
she is the person to help put the pieces back together again; and she says
she brings with her experience, outstanding musical instruction, fresh
ideas, and a commitment to excellence.
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