New band students swell ranks of Lutcher High School group
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 2, 2001
Daniel Tyler Gooden
LUTCHER – Thirteen students comprised a lucky number for Lutcher High School music teacher Ken Williamson.
This year, out of 24 orchestra students, 13 had never touched an instrument. Most of them didnt even have any interest in playing but had landed in the class because it fit their schedules, said Williamson.
On Dec. 21 the group prepared to stand on stage and perform an evening of carols for family and friends.
“It sounds simple, but it was quite a feat,” said Williamson.
Williamson gave a survey to the new students to get an idea of what they knew, what was their favorite music and more. Most didnt know anything about music, but Williamson took it in stride.
“Here you are, you have no choice,” he told the students, and he dropped instruments in their laps. Three months later they were reading music and playing on stage.
They were all nervous but ready for it, said Williamson. “No other teacher could have got us ready like Mr. Williamson,” the students agreed. Brandy Elouatru was a little uncertain about going out in front of the audience, she said.
“If theres a big round of applause Ill be so proud,” Elouatru said. Partially she was afraid her father would holler out her name with the applause. “They were so excited when they heard Id be playing,” she added. Brittany McCoy said her family was the same, but her father thought she should be playing the trombone since that was his instrument of choice in school.
Many of the students are planning to continue playing after high school. Elouatru wants to compose her own music.
“I want to be playing my own music instead of someone elses,” she said. Williamson has noticed a great advancement in their interest in music. From many knowing no classical music, and most disliking it, now “they love it. I dont think they are going to quit,” said Williamson.
