Cranberry High School students march with Oil City High School students in the Oiler Marching Band during the homecoming parade Sept. 26, 2019. (By Gabe Dresbach/Student contributor)
By BROOKE WHITLING
Student contributor
“… All that matters is the music, the pride, and the dedication of the OMB, “ writes Lauren McTiernan, Cranberry High School 10th grader and marching band member. In her third season of marching band, McTiernan is very familiar with these important principles.
Though the Oil City Marching Band has been a symbol of school spirit for several decades, it was only about seven years ago that Cranberry students were allowed the opportunity to co-op with the group. In the time of the co-op, band teacher Michael Poff estimates that nearly 30 students have participated. This includes the four students currently performing: McTiernan and AnnaBelle Lee on percussion, Natalie Hale on the flute, and Alexis Dehner on the alto saxophone.
While all of the Cranberry students that have participated in this program through the years have been very successful, McTiernan is a prime example of how you can shine in the OMB.
Despite being a sophomore, McTiernan was recently granted the position of drum captain. When asked about this promotion, she said that she was shocked when she received the honor, but she feels that it has helped her to gain leadership skills and more friends in her section.
Even though the current season is coming to an end, interested students will still have the chance to join next year. Both Poff and McTiernan would like to tell students considering to join that it would be a shame to miss out on such a wonderful opportunity.
Gabe Dresbach and Brooke Whitling are students at Cranberry High School and members of Cranberry Chronicles, the school’s journalism/publications class.
