| Wolf River Marching Classic |
| Wolf River Classic Help |
| All-West Audition Info |
|
To view and print pdf |
|
History |
|
Summaries: |
|
The band is directed by Ms. Kim Hass, who is an inspiration to both her students and their parents. She and her staff are the guiding force behind the initial, and continuing, success of the Cordova Cadets. As we continue to grow, we continue to learn - not only skills, but also about the dynamics of being a competitive force and the responsibility that accompanies success. We will strive to achieve excellence both on and off the field, and will endeavor to become role models for the people of our community and those musically-inclined students who will follow in our footsteps. We extend our gratitude to all those businesses and individuals who have so generously contributed to our program. Thank you for your support! 1997 The Cadets Marching Band, formed in the summer of 1997, consisted of 32 freshmen with no marching experience. Through long, hot practices, they eventually learned the appropriate technique, and most importantly, to distinguish the left foot from the right. Having no uniforms, the band members were attired in khaki pants, hunter green T-shirts, and hunter green baseball caps. They did, however, have standard white marching shoes. The flats used as backdrops for the performance were constructed of PVC pipe and white sheets painted with green and black stripes, and were used to make the marching area smaller so that the band wouldn't look so tiny against an entire football field. All of the band members marched on the field - there was no dedicated percussion pit. It is hard to imagine that such a young, small group could stage a viable show, but they were dedicated and demonstrated a remarkable commitment to achieving the best possible performance. Their efforts in "Salute to the Duke," a rendition of popular jazz numbers from the 1950's, were rewarded by superior ratings and placement awards at several competitions.
Interest in the band grew over the course of the 97-98 school year. When applications for the band were completed during the summer, the group had more than doubled in size, and the fall of 1998 brought 74 Cadets to the field. With freshmen outnumbering the "experienced" sophomores, it became a challenge to not only learn a new show, but to teach skills to the incoming members. In preparation for the upcoming season, Angie Knight, a gifted artist, was commissioned to paint the backdrops for the show. Fund-raisers and funding from the school system enabled the band to purchase a number of additional instruments, including concert tubas, sousaphones, French horns, mellophones, drums, a baritone sax, vibraphone, timpanis, and a marimba. The newly-formed pit now needed a way to move their equipment to the field. With nearly all available money slated for instruments, parents shouldered the cost and labor for constructing the flats and pit carts. Lacking a tractor to tow the carts to the field, heavy ropes were used to pull them manually. Equipment that had formerly been loaded into vans, the bus, and a couple of trailers, now required two large Ryder trucks. Parents worked daily for weeks to sew flags for the color guard and make alterations to the new uniforms. The 1998 show, "Disney Celebration," was a smashing success. Highlighted by balloons, streamers, and our own "Mickey," the Cadets delighted crowds across the Mid-South. Their performance garnered numerous awards, and earned an invitation to appear in the Nokia Sugar Bowl in the year 2000 - the first college football championship of the new millenium.
1999-2000
Lloyd Jones
again developed the drill design, and Angie Knight again painted
the backdrops for the show, which consisted of four movable
stages. The parent team gathered over the summer to construct the
stages, create facismilies of bongos and maracas, and stitch the
flags for the colorguard. In addition, a parent team leveled,
seeded, and watered the newly established band practice field. A
parent "field crew" was enlisted to move the stages
around the field during performances. Fund-raising continued at an
accelerated pace to purchase additional instruments and help
offset the cost of the the trip to the Nokia Sugar Bowl. The
band's size now required four busses, two large
2000-2001
Facing the escalating cost of truck rentals for a band this size, contributions from parents and other supporters enabled the band to purchase a used semi-trailer. Volunteers gathered to clean and overhaul the rig to render it road-ready. Emblazoned with the Cadet logo, it rolled into the school parking lot amid cheers and sighs of relief from those who had previously dealt with determining how many trucks were required, and how to make everything fit within them. Now a 5-bus contingent, the Cadets were quite a spectacle as they rolled down the highways for Saturday competitions. Appearing for the first time at the Vanderbilt Invitational in Nashville, the Cadets performed admirably and earned superior ratings in all categories, as well as a 4th place in the large-band division. For the second year, the Cadets were invited to the Contest of Champions, where their efforts were rewarded with a place in the finals. While contests of this caliber truly tested the band's mettle, there was a different type of excitement generated by competitions hosted at high schools in West Tennessee. There is nothing quite as uplifting as having other bands eagerly awaiting a Cadet performance. True to their belief that entertaining the crowd is the most important aspect of the show, they were eager to please. Their enthusiasm at these events serves to remind all of us that winning is nice, but enjoying what we do is even better. The Cadets are truly appreciative of the many area band members who have encouraged them and cheered their progress. This year's band trip saw the members traveling to Toronto over spring break, where they were treated to tours of the city's sights and a day of skiing, tubing, and snowboarding. As the trip drew near, excitement turned quickly to concern over finding cold-weather gear! Sporting borrowed parkas, mittens, and boots, many experienced true snow for the first time. Despite numerous slips and slides, no broken bones were reported. Highlighting the spring was the announcement that the Cadets had been invited to perform at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, AZ, on January 1, 2002. As the year drew to a close, so did an era of beginnings when the first seniors graduated in May. It was an emotional time for this small group. Having adapted to the many changes that occurred with the band's dramatic growth, they can be proud of their contributions to the program, and move into the future knowing that the tradition of excellence and sportsmanship will continue as future Cadets soar to even greater heights.
At the close of the school year, Cordova wished farewell to its second graduating group of seniors. The future continues to look brighter for both the young musicians joining the program and those who have already left their mark. Generous college scholarships were granted to members of the band program at the close of the year. The success of the individuals and the program in its entirety is greatly attributed to the work of Ms. Kim Hass, Cordova's band director, and the entire band staff, who together, ensure that the members are working at their full potential.
Another year, another addition
to a tradition of excellence. The "Cadets of Cordova"
marching band wowed the crowds once more with their 2002
field production, It Ain't What You Think!.
Audiences were taken on an exciting and emotional musical
journey that started off with Birdland, a
tune made famous by the legendary Charlie Parker.
Autumn Leaves proved
2002 brought along a huge first for the Cadets, as they traveled to Indianapolis to perform in competition at the Bands of America Grand Nationals Championships. The band performed an outstanding show, and thoroughly enjoyed every experience that came with their attendance at the competition.
As Spring rolled around, the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band worked diligently on several difficult pieces. The Symphonic Band gave a fine performance at Concert Festival and the Spring concert. The Wind Ensemble also performed very well at Concert Festival and in the Spring concert and, in addition, attended the Grand National Adjudicator's Invitational in Chattanooga, where they received a superior rating.
The Cordova Jazz Orchestra performed several times throughout the year. One especially exciting performance premiered the works of Cordova's very own Chris Lane (Class of 2003), who is currently attending the University of North Texas to earn a degree in composition.
Cordova's stage production, ENCORE!, was once again brought to life in the spring of 2003. The members of this ensemble had a great time performing for the many people who helped sponsor the program by attending the shows. The show was entitled Kaleidoscope and featured such works as Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual; Everybody Loves the Blues; Peanut Vendor; and Beetlejuice.
As I began writing this history for my third and final year, an idea popped into my mind that I couldn't shake. To write a summary of this, my senior year, in first person. I can't think of a better way to summarize a period of time than by sharing with others what has been learned, and that is exactly what I plan to do with this opportunity.
Just
like every year of my high school career, my senior
year started off in mid-July with a magnificent
Cordova style band camp. The very first of so
As marching season came to an all too sudden end for me, Christmas was rapidly approaching, bringing a Christmas concert to everyone's minds. In a bittersweet performance, we played the same songs that were played at my very first Christmas concert at Cordova, including "Sleigh Ride" and "Russian Christmas Music." The Jazz Orchestra performed at this concert as well, which, in the end, provided a memorable close to the first semester of my final year of high school.
Before you could say "Ho ho ho," Christmas break was over and Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band were up in full force. The Symphonic Band gave phenomenal performances as they played "Brighton Beach" by William Latham and the rather virtuosic "First Suite in Eb" by Gustav Holst. The Wind Ensemble maintained their outstanding reputation by pulling off performances of "American Overture for Band" composed by Joseph Wilcox Jenkins and "Armenian Dances (Part I) " by Alfred Reed. For a little spice, they threw in the rarely played "Les Papillons" by Johan de Meij.
Now to what I have learned--I can think of few better ways to express these things than with a "Top-ten list." The following is a personal testimony of what I consider to be the most important lessons and bits of wisdom I have gained through my experiences and the people whose paths I have been led to cross over the past four years through the Cordova band program.
The Top 10 Things I Have Learned During My 4 Years as a Cadet: 10.) Everything that you say, do, or portray creates reactions from WAY more people than you think. Wouldn't you much rather touch people's lives with kindness or wisdom than with anger, hurtful rumors, or hate? 9.) "Cool" is only a one letter difference from "Fool." 8.) Maturity doesn't come with age, it comes with the acceptance of responsibility. 7.) Being a leader is all about empowering from behind- not dragging along from the front. Never forget that the people who look up to you are the most precious aspects of any leadership situation. 6.) Never take anything or anyone for granted- especially the people you love and care about. 5.) One of the greatest feelings in the world comes from seeing the smile that appears on someone's face after a simple "Thank you" or heartfelt letter. Time is such a precious thing-never forget that. 4.) One person CAN make a difference. 3.) Respect. Need I say more? 2.) To the world, you are but one person; but to one person, you may be the world. 1.) A passion for what you do goes way beyond yourself--a true passion would make you want to see others feel the same experiences and emotions that first fostered a passion inside of you. To feel the desire to pass on what you have learned so that others may benefit-even if it means they may earn a higher chair placement than you down the road- this is what high school band-or life in general- should be about. Not trophies, who's better, or who's worse. These things and ideas are just here to act as obstacles. You know, obstacles are those frightening things you see when you take your eyes off of your goal.
As you have probably already noticed, the knowledge that I have gained through being a part of this band program goes way beyond musicianship- they are invaluable lessons that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I believe I speak for every participating member of the program when I extend my deepest thanks to Ms. Kim Hass, who has been an true inspiration and fantastic role model for all involved. The entire staff of the Cordova High School Band has my eternal standing ovation, for a job very well done and many lives changed. Our boosters- all the moms and dads who do so much for each and every one of us- all the hard work, enthusiasm, and love does not go unnoticed, and is all greatly appreciated. And to my fellow Cadets: I cannot tell you all how much I appreciate you. I will never forget the time I have spent here, or the memories you have all given me. To all of the aforementioned people, all I can say is "Thank you."
All my love, Lindsay Snapp Class of 2004
Cordova's 2004-2005 season started out just as most had. Practices began in the Spring and as May rolled around, the Cadets bid farewell to the class of 2004, just as they greeted the newest batch of freshmen with a productive Rookie Week. A few relaxing weeks of summer went by as the anticipation of band camp built up and by the time July finally arrived, both the young performers and their staff were anxious to get drill on the field. Camp proved to be a challenge, but never ones to back down, the Cadets faced the high temperatures and higher tempos with great determination and enthusiasm. The show, Morning, Noon, and Night was an amalgamate of songs originally composed by Danny Elfman. From the chaotic beats of the morning to the seldom heard chords of the treacherous night, the emotions one goes through in a typical day resounded through the Cadets' performance.
Winter break came and
went, and the Cadets returned to halls of Cordova
High ready to start 2005 with much excitement. The
Symphonic Band got right to work and it wasn't too
long after that members auditioned and
In June 2005, while the Cadets were enjoying their summer, some shocking news surfaced. Director Kim Hass resigned in order to take a job closer to her home in Alabama. While all were sad to see her go, a new leaf had to be turned and a new director was needed. Luckily, the Cadets' own Jennifer Zwissler was able to fulfill her lifelong dream and step in as Cordova High's new Director of Bands.
|
Cordova
High School opened its doors to over 400 freshmen in the fall of
1997. Each subsequent year saw an additional class added, until
CHS became a full four-year school in the fall of the year 2000.
Ryder trucks, and
a long trailer for the stages and associated backdrops. Those who
thought that the previous year's show could not be outdone were
quickly surprised by the electricity generated in the newest show,
"In the Swingtime, When Cats Go Off to Wail." The show,
a melange of jazz favorites, was a huge hit and quickly became a
crowd favorite. Perhaps the most compelling element of the show
was that the members truly enjoyed it, as evidenced by their huge
smiles every time they took the field. The intricate patterns of
the drill design, coupled with the music and dancing, and capped
with an explosion of smoke, set their performance apart from all
others... and proved that a marching show can be both entertaining
and fun for all. The band's reputation earned an invitation to
perform in the Contest of Champions, in Murfreesboro, TN.
Invitations are extended to only a selected number of bands each
year, and this was truly an honor for the dedicated Cadet members.
The Wolf River Marching Classic, Cordova's annual marching
contest, drew 27 bands from around the Mid-South, as well as an
exhibition by the "Pride of Dixie" marching band from
the University of Northern Alabama. At this event, parents, staff,
and band members share a common goal: to ensure that competing
bands enjoy their experience and feel appreciated for the time and
money they invest in their music programs each year. The year's
marching events culminated with the band's appearance at the Nokia
Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, LA, on January 4, 2000.
With their
breathtaking field production, "2001: A Jazz Odyssey,"
the Cadets once again left audiences speechless (partially due
to the fact that the wind players ripped off their uniforms
before performing their closer, exposing the brightly colored
t-shirts previously hidden underneath). As they toured
throughout the months of September, October, and into November,
the band consistently placed among the top high school programs
in Tennessee. With five large props and 132 members on the
field, moving the group from point A to point B proved to be
quite a challenge. Nevertheless, they performed not only in
local and state competitions, but also in the 2001 Tostito's
Fiesta Bowl Parade and the 2001 Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Arizona National Band Championship, where they captured the
title of "Most Entertaining Band."
Spring of
2002 brought about a new concept in high school band.
"Encore!," a brass theater production, was born and saw
remarkable success in just its first year of existence. The
stage production, entitled "A Musical Journey Through Life," included
everything from up-tempo jazz hits to beautiful renditions of
Italian opera works, singing, acting, dancing, marching, and the
list goes on. The members of Encore! used the opportunity to
entertain audiences, filled with onlookers of all ages.
The young group traveled to Nashville, TN, and Scottsboro, AL,
to perform their show for people all over to enjoy. The
practice and determination required to produce such an elaborate
creation was phenomenal, but the final product was well worth
the efforts of all involved.
to
be a beautiful ballad that featured the woodwind and front
percussion ensembles. Concluding the performance was the
Don Ellis chart Niner-Two, which was
always a crowd pleaser.
This
year, as with all others, the success of the instrumental
music program at Cordova High School is greatly accredited
to the hard work of its director, Kim Hass, all of
the staff members, boosters, and sponsors. The members of
all of these programs would like to extend their deepest
thanks and appreciation to all of these people for their
continuous support, instruction, and encouragement.
many
"last times" to take place. We had an extremely fast
paced and successful camp, and put our entire
production on the field before the start of the school
year. The show was a high energy conglomeration of
tunes from the award winning musical (and recently
made movie), Chicago. As a member of
the performing ensemble, it was absolutely amazing to
experience the audience reaction each and every time
we performed, from St. Louis, MO, to Muscle Shoals,
AL, and finally to the "Contest of Champions" in
Murfreesboro, TN (and of course all those in
between). The season flew by, and in what seemed to
be the blink of an eye, I played my very last note on
a field as a Cadet.! 
As
summer came to end, it only meant that competition
was inching ever closer. Beginning in September with
UT Martin's Skyhawk Invitational and coming to an
end two months later at the Bands of America Grand
Nationals, the competitive season added to the
Cordova tradition of excellence. The BOA St. Louis
Super Regional brought forth a few firsts for the
Cadets as they landed a spot in the finals and
managed to bring home two BOA Division I ratings.
When marching season came to a close in
mid-November, students and staff alike eagerly
awaited the musical endeavors the new year would
bring. 
were
selected from the Symphonic Band to be part of the
elite Wind Ensemble. After sampling a myriad of
pieces and making it through a stressful second
semester, the Wind Ensemble took Vanderbilt
University and the TMEA State Concert Festival by
storm with their renditions of Gandalf by Johan de
Meij, Incantation and Dance by James Barnes Chance,
and Rolling Thunder by Henry Fillmore. Closing out
the season with a successful spring concert
consisting of the Symphonic Band and the Jazz
Orchestra, the Cadets waved a bittersweet goodbye to
the 2004-2005 season as they reminisced at the
annual banquet, but zealously awaited the excitement
that the new season would hold. 
As
always, the Cadets would like to extend their
eternal gratitude to their former director, Kim
Hass, for her extreme dedication, to their staff for
their hours of devoted instruction, and, of course,
to their parents, who were always standing by with
that extra bottle of water. Furthermore, a large
thank you goes out to any and all who have ever
cheered on the Cadets from the stands. Whether it
was a home game or a finals run, hearing your
screams and applause were more than enough to add
that extra volt of energy to a performance. All the
Cadets realize and appreciate that without these
groups' never-ending encouragement and support, they
may have been reduced to a mere collection of wasted
talent. Thank you, again. 
Yours
for another year,