John & Patti Aylsworth

Familiar Faces
By: John Aylsworth
August 4th, 2005

The years have passed and the faces and places that surround the Blackhawk Brigade have changed. Students, that literally grew up in the band room, graduated and became members of a larger family and society. The old practice lot dissapeared under new construction. Staff names that once elicited fear, respect and love are now only distant memories. Gilbert's stool where he patiently repaired students' instruments now sits forever empty.

Some of the faces, however, still remain. Familiar faces that have watched hundreds of marching band shows. Faces that cheered when the Brigade won and had tears in their eyes when results didn't match expectations. Faces that had children in the Brigade but whose love of Springs Valley High School continued long after those students graduated.

The names of these familiar faces are Morris and Patti Rominger and Phyllis Freeman. Their dedication spans four decades and six band directors. Their knowledge of marching band rivals many high school directors. Their gifts of time and money are legendary. They often unofficially score bands at contests and their "sheets" usually mirror the announced results. Current and past directors of the Brigade have sought their opinion of a performance and waited with baited breath for their constructive criticisms and compliments. Their memories constitute a detailed catalogue of past Brigade shows, uniforms, contest results and sites, music and changes in marching styles.

When the autumn leaves are golden and the Brigade is directed to "take the field in competition", these faces will be in the stands beaming with pride and nervous anticipation.These familiar faces who mean as much to the history of the Blackhawk Brigade as any staff member, director, or trophy.