#1StudentNWI: Marching Band Marches Through the Summer at River Forest High School

Marching Band

The Golden Ingot Pride Marching Band recently performed in the Lake Station and Hobart 4th of July parades. The parades followed a two week long band camp held at River Forest Sr. High School. Students going into their third year of band get their first taste of marching during band camp. During the 30 hours of practice, students learned to march, memorize songs for the parades, put on their uniforms correctly, and also learned the importance of good sunscreen and bug spray. Band camp was lead by band director Ms. Fine and by senior drum major Cy Muraida.

“Band camp is a demanding thing, especially for new marchers. You take kids that have only ever played sitting down and teach them how to play as they march. It’s a new experience, and teaches many discipline as well as how to march,” says Muraida.

The Golden Ingot Pride Marching Band won first place for marching bands in both the Hobart and Lake Station parades.

Athletics

July is a month filled with numerous athletic activities at River Forest.

Football: The River Forest Ingot football team is currently practicing and conditioning for the upcoming fall season. The team practices Monday through Friday. During practice the team studies new plays, reviews old plays, and lifts weights in preparation for this season.

Volleyball: The volleyball team practices every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at River Forest. The team is coached by Ms. Petra Faught. Each day is filled with something new. One day may focus on serving, while the next may focus on working as a team. The team eagerly anticipates the beginning of this year’s season in the fall.

Cross Country: Cross country began July 6th. The cross country team is coached by Coach Becky. Practices are held in the mornings Monday through Saturday. The activities the team does vary by day. On Thursdays or Saturdays the team can be seen riding bikes in the Hobart area. Each practice is ended with the beloved Lap, which involves running a lap around the football field. The team’s first meet is August 25th.

Conditioning With the National Guard

On the hot afternoon of July 16th, the football and volleyball team ventured to the beach for a day of conditioning with the National Guard. The National Guard had previously conditioned with the volleyball team, and admired the close bonds and support team members have. Freshman volleyball player Hailey Bianco said, “I love how they pushed us and made us defy our limits. Though I felt pain, it just pushed me that much harder to finish.”

During conditioning, it began to rain, but even the elements couldn’t stop the Ingots. After the grueling exercises were done, all members ran into Lake Michigan to cool off. It was a day neither team will be able to forget.

Teacher Shoutout

Ms. Bridget Fine is a teacher that truly goes above and beyond when it comes to teaching. Ms. Fine teaches beginning, intermediate, high school, and jazz band, as well as general music education, at River Forest Sr. High School. Though this is only her third year at RIver Forest, Ms. Fine’s impact on the band programs at River Forest is tremendous. From the very first day on the job, Ms. Fine has encouraged and taught the band students much. This past March, the Golden Ingot Pride Marching Band traveled to Disney World and performed in a parade at the Magic Kingdom. Ms. Fine started fundraisers two years in advance, and looked for countless opportunities to help students struggling with the cost. Her determination in the face of every obstacle the band has faced is an inspiration to many.

Ms. Fine knew she wanted to be a teacher the first day she picked up a saxophone in beginning band. Says Ms. Fine, “I loved playing the saxophone so much that I knew this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life! I ran around my house directing all day!”

Student Shoutout

Kelly Easton is a fine example of the dedication and academic success found at River Forest. Kelly, pictured second from the left, is involved in many sports at River Forest, including volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Kelly’s interest is not just confined to athletics, however; she is also first chair French Horn in concert band, and first chair Baritone in marching and pep band. Her vibrant personality and hard work show in every activity she does.

When she isn’t working hard on the courts or playing beautifully in band, Kelly enjoys reading, watching T.V, and hanging out with friends.

“Basically what every teenage girl likes to do,” Kelly jokes.

After graduation, Kelly wants to major in music, though is currently unsure of which school she will attend.

Upcoming Events

August 13th & 14th: New Teacher Orientation day

August 17th: Teachers' first day

August 18th: Students' first day