HEART OF A CHAMPION
Senior Zeke the week of state.

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"Kapp" warming up the Monday of state finals.

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The Leaders... Brigade Horn Sergeants

By: Zeke H.
info@blackhawkbrigade.com
Springs Valley Blackhawk Brigade Trumpet

FRENCH LICK, Ind. - This year, the band director for the Springs Valley Blackhawk Brigade, Luke Aylsworth, has added two great influences to the direction of the band. He has made two seniors, Kyle Apple and Zeke Harger, Horn Sergeants. This status is the first, in many years, to be assigned to anyone in the Brigade and the pair have taken the role with great honor.

The role of a Horn Sergeant requires many qualities that are vital to ensure the future of the Brigade. Among these many qualities is leadership, hard work, self-discipline and determination. An important trait that is apparent in both Sergeants is the devotion, care, and dedication to not only the whole band, but each individual person. Both horn sergeants understand their role as a leader, example, and a standard for all others to follow. During the band season one of their main responsibilities is to instruct and teach others. From the first day of band camp to the day they march off the field at the end of the season, they must remain a constant in the lives of their fellow Brigade members.

Kyle "Kapp" Apple has been a member of the Blackhawk Brigade for four years. He has demonstrated exceptional skill and talent from his first day and has only improved over the years. Kyle has been unflinching in his role of being a horn sergeant. He has set the perfect example for others to follow. His steadfast determination and level of expertise are exceptional.

Kyle comes from a strong background of Brigade Alumni. His trombonist father, Trevor Apple and drum major mother Teressa Apple have passed on the tradition of excellence to their son. Kyle is very devote and dedicated to the Brigade. He is proud to be an influence in the path the band has taken: "It has been a great honor to be Horn Sergeant my senior year," Kyle says, "I'm very happy that the band has reached such a high level of achievement and I was also proud that I was in a position to help guide us here."

Zeke Harger has been a member for five years. Zeke has been a great asset to the Brigade in several ways. Zeke has displayed dedication by perfecting his performance in band as well as the performance of others. He has been extremely dedicated to the Brigade over the years and has been passionate in the way he approaches band. Zeke can often be seen doing extra tasks to set an example to others such as: helping others, cleaning and organizing, and arriving to contest several hours early just to welcome everyone to band.

"I'm proud of the responsibility I've been given," Zeke says, "It’s a great honor, not only to be one of the first horn sergeants in years, but to be able to help instruct and teach others and see how they grow through the program. It’s a great feeling when you can look at the person next to you and see how they've matured from the first day of band to turn into a hardworking and skilled person at the end of the season, that feeling is incredible."

Apple and Harger have a tough job with many responsibilities. They set an example for others to follow. Setting an example of invincibility and perfection is necessary and must be displayed for the rest of the band to see. The Horn Sergeants have to be constant in the way they perform. Perfection in not only the forms and music, but the perfection of each individuals technique is the goal of the Horn Sergeant. Medals, ranks, and trophies are not the only rewards for them, but also seeing the improvement of the members they have guided. Both Sergeants are proud of the band that they are a member of and those that march beside them. They are honored to be apart of the Blackhawk Brigade.

NOTE: Article published in the Springs Valley Herald, Bedford Times-Mail, and Jasper Herald.

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