To begin the second week of classes at Morrison High School, new Junior and Senior High Schools Instructor Kelsey Pudlas arranged for MHS Band students to try on their uniforms. At 6:00 p.m., on Monday, August 22, 2022, four of them met in the High School Band room, 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL.
It took considerable time to zip into coveralls, tuck in, and snap up excess fabric to the correct length. Sturdy, attractive jackets required a bit of help from others, to zip them up the back; secure snaps at the neckline and hem; hook the collar from behind; adjust the sleeve length, using interior snaps; secure each outer sleeve cuff with Velcro and two final snaps.
Each teen tried on and adjusted their hat strap. Some chose finger-less, black gloves for playing in cold weather this all. Percussionists do not get this benefit. Recycled from former students, a box of black “Band” shoes was available.
They received a Band folder to contain music that soon would entertain audiences, indoors and out. Expect to hear the stirring theme from “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Meet Kelsey Pudlas
Our new MCUSD#6 Band teacher is from Oregon, IL, but she lives in Moline, IL. Her grandparents live in Morrison. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree, with an emphasis in Instrumental Music. Pudlas completed Student Teaching in Band, and taught Elementary Music in Davenport, IA, for two years.
She began her tenure in Morrison before school started, by holding Band Camp for musician athletes. Morning trainings were Monday, August 1, through Friday, August 5.
“There are 20 students at the High School and 33 in the Junior High,” Pudlas stated. She hopes “to recruit more. We will play at all Home games and march in the Homecoming Parade. [The Band] will march in costume for Halloween in Galena, IL.”
Left-to-right are Evan Peddicord, Clarinet; Anna Blevins, Clarinet; Mrs. Pudlas; Abbie Weston, Bass Drum; Lisa Hardesty, Alto Saxophone.
