1969 Paul G. Blazer HS Marching Band, J. Larry Moore, Director

This is the Paul Blazer HS Band from Ashland, Kentucky at the Contest of Champions, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN. J. Larry Moore, Director. This was Larry's year 5 out of 6 at the high school. The band had developed a beautiful signature high knee lift step moving forward at 8 steps to 5 yards. The band's playing style was symphonic, with beautiful tone quality and controlled balance and blend as the main priority. Flags were integrated into the drill, but choreographed routine was not part of the show yet. The majorettes, taught by Carolyn Shreve Moore, were often winners at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, KY. The band's music was arranged by the famous Robert Hawkins, Director of Bands at Morehead State University and member of the National Band Association Hall of Fame. While the band's musical and visual execution were at a high achievement level, the band's emphasis on controlled sound and classical music lacked the general effect that director Larry Moore achieved in his later bands. It was an incredible experience to hear the woodwinds, in particular the clarinets led by Michael Acord and Kathy King performing the hauntingly beautiful "hope theme" from the Franck Symphony in D Minor as they marched a perfect ankle to knee down the field. Individual execution of music and marching were the top priority.