Friday, 06 April 2012 09:33

Written by Opelika Observer

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At an installation banquet earlier this year, the Opelika High School Latin Honor Society inducted several new members into the organization, following the group’s annual banquet held at the Western Sizzlin’ in Opelika.

This year’s speaker was Charles Livings, a professor in public communications with a focus on rhetoric at Auburn University at Montgomery.

Livings commended the assembled students for choosing to study Latin, saying it was a language that required dedication and hard work to master.

Livings cited statistics saying students who were educated earlier in life on foreign languages performed better academically, and showed increased scores on standardized assessment tests.

“Language is the key for us to understand what is going on in the world,” Livings said. “The value to us is that it expands our self and our self-awareness.”

Livings said that of the almost 20 million students who attended colleges and universities last year, only around 162,000 were enrolled in foreign language programs or majors.

“Less than one percent are studying languages critical to our national security, like Arabic or Chinese,” Livings said. “That should be enough to give you pause.”

Other new members not pictured above include Kadie Adams, Duncan Asbury, Caitlyn Daniel, Mallory Drummond, Jordan Green, R.J. Harris, Tori McIntyre, Jaz Moore, Jessica Parsons, Railey Smith and Brittany Woods. The adviser is Janet Smith.

Friday, 30 March 2012 10:34

Written by Opelika Observer

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Opelika High School proudly premiered two new visual ensembles this year, the Opelika High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble and the Opelika High School Winter Guard.

Both groups had a great first year and were very successful at their competitions in Prattville and Hoover. The indoor percussion ensemble finished second at both contests and won two captions, one for general effect and one for visual marching.

The winter guard finished second place in Prattville and third place in Hoover. Both shows presented by these groups were very successful and received great feedback from not only the judges, but also the crowds in attendance at each competition.

“I am extremely proud of the students and the hard work and dedication that they put forth throughout the indoor drum line season,” said Opelika Associate Band Director and Percussion Instructor Mike McGlynn. “Both groups have worked extremely hard to form a strong foundation to build off of in the future, and we are excited to continue these groups next year.”

Indoor drumline combines the technical and demanding world of marching band with the crowd engaging antics of any great theatrical production. With both aspects combined, indoor drumline shows provide a great learning experience for the students and also an enjoyable experience for the crowds. Most indoor shows tell a story through music, high-energy marching drills, and acting.

Indoor percussion not only challenges the students to perfect their playing and marching techniques, but it also gives the students a chance to show their talents and love for percussion. Indoor percussion groups compete in different classes against groups from across the state or even the country.

Winter guard is much like indoor percussion in the fact that it combines the same aspects of color guard techniques and stage theatrics. Winter guard is a high-energy activity that requires its members to not only master flag and weapons techniques, but also to incorporate dance and acting at the same time. The shows tell a story through movement, music, and props that combine to create a dazzling and engaging performance to watch. Through the use of different colored flags and outfits, the guard weaves you through a five-minute story line that is not only captivating, but also awe-inspiring.

The skills required to toss and spin flags and weapons take hours of practice from each individual and extreme precision as group. This group also competes against other winter guards in state and from across the country. The winter guard is under the direction of Kasey Williams.