Gunfire inside Normal Community HS on Friday causes lockdown, no injuries.
It could be a bit difficult for students at Normal Community High School to focus on their marching band program for a while, after a freshman fired a handgun in a first-hour class last week.
Derrick Schonauer, the teacher in the classroom where the incident occurred, was credited with saving lives by getting the gun away and, with the help of students, immobilizing the shooter.
Then again, maybe marching band is just what’s needed here. Our hearts and prayers go out to the students and staff at the high school and in Unit District 5, as they move forward and try to return their lives to a state of normality.
Lux Aurumque
(“Light and Gold”)
A poem by Edward Esch
Light,
warm and heavy as pure gold
and angels sing softly
to the new-born babe.
Composer Eric Whitacre had Edward Esch’s poem translated into Latin by Charles Anthony Silvestri, and then he set it to music—first for the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, then for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, then for wind symphony for the Texas All-State Band, then for string orchestra for the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. He even conducted the string premiere.
Now the Marching Ironmen, under the direction of Lance Meadows and Kris Bence, include this celebrated work in their show titled “Metallurgy” and shine a ray of light from the football field—right after their tailgate party on Friday, Sept. 14, which is intended to honor seniors. Signs of a normal school life: chaotic yet full of entertainment, learning, bravery, and friendship.
In addition to Mr Whitacre’s work, the show features “Foundry” by John Mackey and “Tempered Steel” by Charles Rochester Young.
Andrew Woodburn and Emily Bettencourt assist with the color guard; Daniel Eastwood and Jon Seguin assist with the drumline.
The Extraordinary Students of this normal com-munity bring a marching band to football games and to Pontiac on Sept. 15, Danville on Sept. 29, the University of Illinois on Oct. 13, Mahomet on Oct. 20, and Illinois State on Oct. 27.
Written Sept. 12
