Marching Orders

One by one, or in small groups, members of the Sebring High School Blue Streaks Marching Band exited the bright sun of the practice field at South Florida Community College for a seat in the shade.

A single minor mistake was enough to send a drummer, flutist or trumpeter packing. When the "drill down" was over, only one marcher stood victorious.

Some of those banished from the South Florida ball field on Friday, during the two-week long summer band camp, began to talk among themselves.

Colorado Paniagua's head snapped around in the direction of those seated. The 27-year-old high school band director firmly and clearly addressed the marchers.

"Focus - their only reward is your attention," said Paniagua.

Instantly, the students who had chosen to spend part of their summer break outside in the heat were silent.

A lone voice from the shade then urged another Blue Steak still standing to do her best. The audience was soon clapping and encouraging those who remained.

Early on as a marching band director, Paniagua, now in her third year at Sebring High School, said communication with students was sometimes difficult.

"It was much harder when I started, because I was closer to them in age," said Paniagua. "I'm finding that fine line of when it's time to be enforcer or when to talk about video games."

Paniagua plays and teaches every instrument used by the Blue Streak Marchers, regularly works 12-hour days and recently picked up the nickname, "Momma Bear," from the students.

"My door is always open," said the former high school and college marcher. "A lot of the time I find myself counseling and talking to them about problems.

"When is it something I have to report or call home about?"

Sarah McLeod, 15, is a sophomore clarinet player. With both evening and weekend practices and performances, band members spend more school-related-time together than most students.

"We need discipline to go where we go - as far as we are able," said McLeod.

Cynthia McLeod, Sarah's mother, agreed that Paniagua was on the right track.

"She teaches the students to police themselves and to be self-reliant," said Cynthia McLeod.

With visible tattoos and both ears pierced, Todd Snow, a senior and tenor drummer, stands out from the crowd.

"She gets us disciplined, but we have fun at the same time," said Snow, "and it doesn't feel like work."

Paniagua graduated from Northern Arizona University with an instrumental music education degree.

The Florida sun has turned much of her skin crimson red, or what the cat lover said was a "burned, crispy fry." Always busy, she marched as a musician and drum major, and even joined the school chorus.

"I tended to do as much as I could in different sections," said the band director. "I couldn't get enough and I understand their passion when they can't get enough."

Like last year, their first as state finalists, the Blue Streaks are performing commissioned music which was written exclusively for the school by Jair Klarfeld.

Paniagua is leading a campaign to buy new uniforms. Many Blue Streak uniforms turned yellow from mold and cost $500 per week to dry clean. New uniforms would be machine washable and not require regular bleaching.

For information on upcoming musical performances by the Blue Streaks, or to support one of the band's fundraisers, call 471-5500, Ext 232.