The

MEGAPHONE

Elwood, Indiana                      Elwood High School(s)

Volume 6, No. 10                                                                       Saturday, October 1, 2005

Contents

       [Page numbers are links!]

Page 1 . . . High Stepping -- Deborah (Bozell) Donahue

Page 2 . . . Panther Den Birthday & Anniversary Calendar -- Nancy Sumner (Our Calendar Girl)

                        Two Little Lights -- Gurtha Cabbage        

Page 3 . . . His Life -- Julie (Stout) Crim

Page 4 . . . Sounds of Home -- Jane Ann (Seright) Lemen

Page 5 . . . Elwood Mayors -- Estel E. Harney

Page 6 . . . Special Memories -- Special Friends -- Nancy Sumner

Page 7 . . . From Mercedes to Cavalier -- Karen (Stine) Hollies

                        Autumn's Fashion -- Cindy (Benedict) Odom

Page 8 . . . The Wizard's Back (Page) -- The Wizard of ID

High Stepping

by Deborah (Bozell) Donahue

Many high schools today have a high school band consisting of a brass and wind section along with a percussion section. The percussion section is located in the last few rows of the band. Since the percussion section is one of the loudest sections of the group, which includes snares, basses, and cymbals, it is understandable why it is positioned in that location.  

The high school band consists of students who have taken lessons over several years on their chosen instrument. By the time they have reached high school, their musical skills have enabled them to be chosen to be part of this talented group. 

The band’s many performances are during pre game and half time ceremonies at football and basketball games. They also perform during numerous parades on special occasions, and are known for their competitive skills.

Leading this musical group of gifted students are several rows of high stepping pretty girls carrying flags and batons. These girls are not only talented with baton skills but have also been given dance lessons over the years to help with their coordination.    

The band is led by either a Drum Major or a Drum Majorette, and as far back as 1943, our Elwood High School Band was led by a Drum Major. 

The majorettes were chosen by competitive try outs during this time, and early on, the head twirler was in charge of training new students. In some years there were non high school students chosen to be twirlers.

For many years during this time, there were only a maximum of three girls who could march along side the Drum Major who would lead the band while marching and during formations.

As the years evolved, these three girls became three rows of high stepping talented young women. Over the years, the gender changed from a Drum Major to a Drum Majorette.

I come from a family of two generations of majorettes for the Elwood Band: My sister, Diana Bozell, was a majorette from 1957 through 1960.

I was Head Majorette for the Elwood Junior High Band, and in 1964, Head Majorette for the Elwood High School Band. 

Our Aunt Joanne Bozell, my father’s sister, was one of the first female majorettes selected in 1943 who marched along side the Drum Major. She was Head Majorette for Elwood High School Band her senior year in 1946.

Allow me to introduce our Aunt Joanne (Bozell) Hiller who was Head Majorette in 1946.

JoAnne (Bozell) Hiller

Passed away November 13, 1997

Deborah (Bozell) Donahue '64
Ormond Beach, FL