By Ale Ibarra Posted June 8, 2017
There are many talented students in this school, but one has outdone himself this year. Senior Tanner Ames has been in Drama for one year, Swing choir for three years, and is a four-year Band student. He has been acknowledged and appreciated by the band director, Mr. Paul Criddle, for his efforts.
“What I like about Tanner is his ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to try new things,” said Criddle. “This year, he switched from clarinet to tenor saxophone to fill out the instrumentation of the band. He was able to get up to speed rapidly on the instrument and made a difference in our sound.”
Ames has always had a love for the arts, but he’s continuing to find new passions of his.
“I’ve always liked music, but I didn’t start learning about it until 5th grade,” said Ames. “However, I only played the clarinet, and I learned more about singing. Sophomore year, I joined the swing choir and picked up more instruments, and now I can play more than 10 instruments (most with only simple songs). Acting wasn’t my favorite thing, but I tried it a little while ago, through the Children’s Theater, and I kind of fell in love with it.”
As a member of the Swing Choir, Ames can jump into any situation ready to perform.
“In the Swing Choir, he was always willing to do the narration parts that required some memorization and a good announcing voice,” said Criddle. “He has a natural sense of rhythm and musicality that he is just blessed with, which makes him a valuable member of the choir and band.”
The senior will be missed by the music department and Criddle himself as he is always stepping up to the plate and making a difference.
“I will miss being able to count on him to always be there and to have his parts learned and played or sung well,” said Criddle. “His leadership skills in both groups have been a great asset to the music department and helped us achieve our goals. Because of his involvement in the performing arts in many capacities, I do think he’s worthy of being the performer of the year.”
Ames was more than happy to find out he had been chosen for Performer of the Year.
“I was excited when I heard. It’s been one of the only titles I’d been striving for in high school,” said Ames.
Ames will miss the whole environment of performing on stage and the adventures that come along with it.
“I will miss meeting new people,” said Ames. “There are always trips that the music department goes on, and there are interesting people who come to the plays.”
