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 band director Mr. Paul Criddle for his efforts.
“What I like about Tanner is his ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to try new things. 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,” said Criddle.
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. 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 MCT, and I kind of fell in love with it,” said Ames.
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. He has a natural sense of rhythm and musicality that he is just blessed with that makes him a valuable member of the choir and band,” said Criddle.
The senior will be missed by the music department and Criddle himself as he is always stepping up to the plate and, making the 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. 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,” said Criddle.
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. There’s always trips that the music department go on, and there’s interesting people who come to the plays,” said Ames.
