2010 Season
Gloria Smith
Congratulations Gloria Smith for being this weeks band geek of the week!!!!! She is one of few Senior trumpets this year along with Nicole, Nona, Pete, And even drum major Tanner. Gloria told us she has played multiple instruments throughout the years, such as…Trumpet….trumpet…and even more trumpet!!!!! She is currently learning Violin and Saxophone. WHAT A BAND GEEK!!!!!! (Love you Gloria -Mayo)
When asked about her section she had this to say.
” My section is freaking amazing because it’s almost all girls, I’m so proud of them because the show is so hard. The show is a drum Corp show so it’s basically very trumpet y and is probably the most difficult show I’ve ever had technically.”
Now our crew likes to ask each Band Geek how our drum majors and fellow students are doing this year, Just to make sure that we are doing our jobs at making this the most successful year at Ironwood Ridge.
Gloria had this to say:
David: “let’s see, David Adams… Well he’s pretty much awesome and was pretty much better than everyone else. And I think he won upped the love for lady gaga for the entire band, so we’re a lady gaga loving band because of David.”
Trevor: “Trevor’s obnoxiously loud laugh makes you feel good when no one else laughs.”
Matt: “Matt Singer!!! Is my frenemy and my rival even though I’m better than him and I enjoy how he says “Set!” at the same time as tanner”
Tanner: “Hmmm Tanner *giggles* (<—that was a giggle during the interview) Tanner is.. Tanner… I’m jealous that he can pick up any instrument and basically play it amazingly. He’s a very good drum major even though Matt singer is louder than he is.”
Mason: “mayo?! He is…. he’s a goof ball!!! And he loves squeakers in an interesting way. He’s taken squeakers under his wings. Their water fights with Ben are hysterical.”(awwwww thats so sweet -mayo)
180: “hmmm… What do I have to say about him… I still don’t understand why people call him 180. He’s the band therapist so everyone who needs to talk about anything at all can always cone to him”
Laura Hacker
Laura is one of four horn players, Playing along side seniors Dean, Kayla and sophomore Julie. This is Laura’s second year with with the Ironwood Ridge Vanguard. When she isn’t playing her instrument you will most likely find her hanging out with friends, playing volleyball, or watching movies.
When asked about her section she had this to say, “I love my section! Kayla and I have been good friends since she kind of mentored me last year. Julie has been my friend since last year so we’re very close. And dean is just insane. So we all mesh together well.”
Michael Stevenson: “4 drum majors, that must be crazy! How do you feel they are all doing with year?”
Laura Hacker:”I feel is a good musician and is really helpful through out the entire band and he mixes well with everyone, Tanner was in my section last year and so we’re pretty good friends. And he was a good mentor and is just a lot of fun. Trevor is a lot of fun and helps with a lot of issues that need to be taken care of. He’s over all a nice guy, and Matt is a lot of fun and crazy and easy to relate to since he still plays trumpet.”
Congratulations Laura
GARRETT “SQUEAKERS” MEYER
Garrett Meyer or “Squeaker” as his friends call him, is new to IRHS. But as the brother of ex drum major Jeremy Meyer, I’m pretty sure he is use to our Vanguard. Garrett is one of our new Baritone players, Playing along side Michael Stevenson, Hayden Hodge, David Adams, and many others.
When asked about some of his fellow band members, this is what Garrett had to say
“David Adams (Baritone Section Leader) is a fun person who helps me a lot and is an extremely good person who knows what he’s doing with the baritone. He likes Squeakers as my nickname. Tanner Herring (Head Drum Major) is kinda like Jeremy for some weird reason, I’m not sure why. He’s a great drum major and can be strict when he needs to be but is most of the time fun. Mason Castle (Web master/ Tuba player) is the first person who talked to me and really hates carrying his tuba down to the field(<- that is so not true Squeakers! I love my tuba!!!-Mason). He’s definitely the master of all otters. Michael “180” Stevenson (BGW staff member/ Baritone player) is a very sensitive person and is very Golden Retriever-ish. He’s very tall and unfortunately i don’t know him very well but we’re going to be best buddies. OH! and he has a cool hat.” He thinks that everybody should know that he really likes to swim.
Garrett is one of MANY multi-instrument playing band members we have. He is educated in the arts of Piano and Drum set. And like everyone else but Mayo… he has mad skillz when playing Recorder!!!!! Music isn’t the only thing this band geek enjoys. In his free time he likes to play baseball, He also likes to hang with his friends and family.
Interview taken by Michael Stevenson
2009 Season
Handly Marks (Trumpet)
This weeks Band Geek of the Week is our one and Only Handly Marks! Handly is a Senior, and started marching band 3 years ago. He belongs to the trumpet family. We all know he loves his POLITICS ( sometimes we just wish he would shut up) Still love you Dips:)! He also enjoys playing Halo and hanging with friends.
When asked how he feels about going to the Holiday Bowl he had this to say, “Ummm…. YEAH and Disneyland on New year’s eve is just GLORIOUS!’
When asked how he felt about us finishing 8th in the state Handly said, “We did good, and had a blast storming the field, a tad obnoxious, but so glorious.”
“I love my section, we are all a bunch of slackers! Our sectionals, aka sitting in the drama room with me occasionally sweeping the floor, shall not be forgotten. Oh and the poke war on facebook between the trumpets and the guard is in its 3 month of the conflict. lol. Well it’s me and rosenberg vs. Tami and Mari. ha ha. But anyways, I love you guys! “
Calvin Harrison (Pit Percussion)
Calvin Harrison is a Freshman here at IRHS. Calvin has joined the Pit family along with freshman Jonathan Erath. Calvin plays many instruments, one being the Guitar. He is also learning how to play the Tenor Sax. Outside of Band Calvin likes to cook and swim. One thing he would want to accomplish in his lifetime would be to write a screen play and have it made into a movie.
Calvin found Band Camp fun and was happy that he accomplished a lot. I asked Calvin to describe band in 3 words or less and he said band is “Challenging, Fun, and Interesting.”
When his section leader, Bryan Sherwood, was asked about Calvin, he said that, “Calvin is one of our most interesting pit members. He always says something to make us laugh!”
Congratulations on being the first Band geek of the Week Calvin! We hope you have a great first year at Ironwood!
2008 Season
Trevor Barroero (Drum Line)
Trevor is one of only two IRHS Freshmen that are currently on the drumline. He is an all-around percussionist, and has played percussion since sixth grade. He takes private lessons from Brian Harris, and plays percussion in Philharmonia. He has named his marimba Jeremy Adams—no, it’s not a reference to our drum major, and plans on being on the drumline for many years to come! In addition to photos, this week I am featuring a video by Trevor called “Trevor’s Spanish Commercial Selling Grandma.” According to Trevor, “You should definitely watch Trevor Barroero’s (kidkarate99′s) videos, because they display a mixture of hilariousness and awesomeness.” His description of this video—“…watch this little white boy transform into a Mexican salesman…ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS BEST!!!!”
Jacob Milton (Pit)
Jacob is a junior at IRHS, and a co-captain of the IRHS Pit. He has played percussion since fourth grade, and has played at Copper Creek, Wilson K-8, and IRHS. He was in the Symphonic Orchestra and Concert Band in both Freshman and Sophomore years. In his free time, Jacob enjoys playing Wii and computer games, and playing the piano. Check out these great pictures of Jacob and the Pit girls—they’re sure to make you laugh!
Lindsay McEldowney (Drum Line)
Lindsay is a Junior at IRHS. She currently is on the Drumline as a Quad, and also as co-captain with Chelsie. She also plays Trombone in Jazz Band, and has played Bass Drum and Snare Drum in Drumline (both fall and winter lines). Outside of band, Lindsay plays club softball and loves the sport, and also enjoys going to movies and hanging out with friends. She’s totally going to be America’s Next Top Model (see photo above) and has a great sense of humor. As you can see in the picture to the right, Lindsay is always in a great mood!
Paul and Trevor (Tubas)
Paul, a proud Sophomore member of the IRHS Tuba section, has also played the Concert Bass Clarinet. Outside of band, he likes to do Tae Kwon Do and Break Dance, as some of you have seen I’m sure! He joined the Tuba section when reaching High School because his friend, Trevor, recommended it to him. Paul is known for being tubawesome, his break dance (we’re working on a video) and his stilts (<<See Picture). If you don’t know him already, be sure to say hi to Paul!
Trevor is also a Sophomore in the Tuba section. Trevor has played many different clarinets, in addition to the tuba. Outside of Band, Trevor likes to draw, write stories, and harass Paul. He’s known for being very loud, and having TONS of Spirit!! Always look to Trevor if you’re in need of some cheer!
Andrew Vo (Sax)
What a special treat we have for you this week! Andrew Vo, pictured on the left, has performed a dance to the Pussycat Doll’s “When I Grow Up”. You’ll find the video below. Outside of band, Andrew enjoys dancing (as you see below), freaking out about math tests and homework, stalking Gary Minor, and playing tennis. Andrew is known for this dance, and freaking out about his homework!
Jessica D. (Color Guard)
Jessica is the first ever colorguard member to be featured on Band Geek of the Week! Pictured here with her drumline sister, Chelsie, Jessica is a Freshman at IRHS. She loves guard and takes lessons twice a week to be the best she can be! Jessica loves everything girly and has since she was young. Jessica, also a singer, is a little shy, so be sure to say “HI JESSICA!” at practice! 
Brenda Smith (Trumpets)
Brenda is a Junior this year at IRHS. She is, and always has been, a trumpet. When not in band, Brenda leads an exciting life of singing and reading. Brenda is also known for throwing up and passing out during practices, and although she hates to “toot her own horn”, she’s “available”!!
Jordan and Nicole (Drum line + Sax)
Jordan and Nicole, both Juniors at IRHS, started out in the Flute section. This year, Nicole plays Tenor Sax, while Jordan plays Quads. Both have also played Pit in Winter Drumline. Outside of band, both enjoy movies (Jordan claims to go 2-3 times a week), texting, and hanging out with friends (usually each other). You’re always sure to see these two together with their knee socks on!
Carson (Drum line)
Carson, a sophomore at IRHS, is currently in the snare section for the fall season. He was in the pit for the 2007 Marching Band, and had the opportunity to be on snare line for our 2007 trip to the Gator Bowl. Also on snare line for winter season, he takes every chance he can get to play the drums! He is also involved in club soccer. Carson brought the infamous mini-skirt to the drumline, and always has more crazy (sometimes stupid) things to keep the drumline entertained!
Chelsie Dorer (Drum line)
Chelsie, a senior at IRHS, is currently the Drum Line Captain for the fall season, along with Lindsay McEldowney. She has been involved in IRHS Vanguard since her Freshman year, and has loved every year of it! She is also involved with the Tri-M, music’s honor society, chapter at IRHS. When you see Chelsie at band camp, be sure to say “Hi!”
