HOMS O.C.P.D. "Crew" Makes Some Noise for New Monrovia!

STUART, FL - Eleven (11) Hidden Oaks Middle School (HOMS) Band students, with "Obsessive Compulsive Percussion Disorder" (OCPD) give of their time and talent to support the New Monrovia Community Development Council at the 2008 Bahamian Festival in Port Salerno on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Amidst the threatening weather, and smells and sounds of the Caribbean, Brian Wilson, Steven Terezakis, Megan Koenig, Angela Benson, Gregory Kusel, Anthony Ferrara, Taylor Robin, Nick McAhren, Robert Hyland, Jeff Coschera and Joseph Widrig from the HOMS Drum line opened the parade and festivities at 10:00 a.m.. The event is an annual, two-day Festival that also features Junkanoo Sensation playing Bahamian music, Bahamian food, a talent show, and various musical acts.

The HOMS Drum line was honored to be invited to participate for the second year, in this "grass-roots" effort to create awareness and encourage support for Port Salerno redevelopment even though the students all hail from Palm City. As with most of the community-outreach and performing groups at Hidden Oaks Middle School, the students and parents would not miss an opportunity to "give back" to any part of the community that has always shown them overwhelming generosity.

The HOMS Drum line was again well received by the local community, where spectators waved [and danced] to the great "beats" of these very talented young students. This Parade and following Community festival definitely tied in with the theme of a "Caribbean Weekend" and was blessed by the lack of rain that was forecasted for the morning. We thank Adrian Patton and the event coordinators and for allowing the students to participate in this local community event, and welcome them to invite us back next year!

The Percussion Ensemble composed of students from 6th - 8th grade have worked very hard so far this year to "master" several cadences under the coaching of Mr. Brent McAhren, under the direction of Mr. Allen Gilbert, Director of Bands at Hidden Oaks Middle School. This event was also supported by the efforts of HOMS Band Chaperones Dorothy Hyland and Band Booster President, Jeannie Ferrara. Our sincere gratitude to the parents of the students as well, for participating in events such as this would not be possible without their support.

We will eagerly await more surprises from this Percussion Ensemble in the weeks and months to come! Coach McAhren has graciously agreed to give of his time and talent from his experiences with the Marching Band Drum line from Purdue University where he participated, "Once a drummer, ALWAYS a drummer!". McAhren is currently the Commercial Art Instructor for Inlet Grove High School in Riviera Beach, Florida.

Please show your support by becoming involved with the Annual BREAKFAST/SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER: This is the ONLY Fundraiser that is held for the HOMS Band Programs and also supports the Color Guard Program. This year, the event will be held on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2008.

With an exceptionally large number of talented students participating in the percussion section this year, we could not resist the opportunity to form another HOMS Drum line! Watch for announcements regarding their performances, you will be glad you did!

FINAL THOUGHT: [from the 2006 Music in Our Schools Program Insert], " It's more than just teaching notes and rhythms; it's more than just filling up space between touchdowns. THIS IS ABOUT TEACHING LIFE AND LIFE LESSONS. It is learning to function in society; it's about tolerance of others and learning harmony, both musical and personal. It's laughter, it's memories, it's hard work, and most of all, it's the discovery of self-worth and self-skills for EVERYONE involved in the process"

To find out how you or your business can support the Hidden Oaks Middle School Bands, please see: http://homsband.livejournal.com/. HOMS Band Parents can keep up to date by registering at the Yahoo! Messaging center: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homsband/

HOMS Middle School Choral Department http://homschorusmom.livejournal.com