AT BMR - Marching band gets police escort after winning top competition honors

Fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars filled the streets of Blackstone this past Sunday, Nov. 1, with sirens blaring. There were no accidents for them to attend to. They were merely providing a champion's escort to the Blackstone Millville Regional High School Marching Band. The band won first place in their division at the New England Scholastic Band Association's Marching Band finals in Bridgewater.

They received a score of 98 out of a possible 100 for their performance. Not only does this give them the highest score in their division (beating the next band by 1.6 points, which is colossal in marching band terms), but it also gives them the highest score out of all bands that competed.

Their show, Portraits of the West, features music from the film Silverado as well as other pieces arranged by Fine Arts Director Ronald Bibeault. They also took home special awards for their division for Best Music, and Best Color Guard. They will be traveling to the Naval Academy in Annapolis this Sunday, Nov. 8, to compete in the United States Scholastic Band Association's National Championship.

The BMR varsity field hockey team has also celebrated a significant milestone this past week. Iconic coach Ms. Sharon Dupre, who has been coaching field hockey for 40 years, celebrated what would have been her final game last Thursday, Oct. 29. This would have been her last game, had the team not beaten North Brookfield 1-0. This victory, along with a make-up win last Sunday against Grafton, allowed the girls to compete in Districts. With such amazing leadership, it's no wonder that the team has been able to go so far.

The marching band and the field hockey team show how when students perform at their best, amazing things can be accomplished. Yet sometimes students do not perform to their fullest capability because of poor decisions. One group in the school whose goal is to prevent this is the Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, who are led by adviser Mrs. Stefanie Anderson. This group helps to promote responsible behavior throughout the school. They help to inform students on the consequences of getting involved with such things as drugs and alcohol. They have begun to hold meetings this past month and are already planning some activities and fund-raisers for later in the year.

The Students Against Destructive Decisions help students to bring out the best in themselves. But there is also one man who has brought out much more, with hilarious results. Frank Santos Jr., the comic hypnotist, will be performing at BMR next Thursday, Nov. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The show is being hosted by the senior class, led by adviser Mrs. Denise Morell. Mr. Santos uses hypnotism to get volunteers to perform in various funny situations, such as imitating the Power Rangers or a number of different boy bands. Tickets are $7 at the door and the show is open to all.

Personally I have never been able to witness a show by Mr. Santos, as every time he has come to the school, I have been hypnotized by him. However, because I still receive questions as to where I received my formal ballet training, I can confirm it will be a show to remember.