Straughn students take part in band

Straughn High School’s string band will make its 2014-15 debut at homecoming festivities next week.

The Straughn String Band boasts 13 students in the program this year, including four seniors and a junior, Santana Hamrac, who is considered the group’s spokesperson.

“I just do it for the fun of it,” Hamrac, said. “It’s an outlet.”

Band sponsor Karen McGlaun said that the Hamrac has been with the group the longest and is always available to help the group out.

“Anything that needs to be done, she’s always the first one to volunteer,” she said.

The seniors in the group, Bryce Stewart, Matt Dye, Bryan Dunn and Zach Shaw, all said they use the program as an outlet and a way to teach other members.

Only one senior member, Stewart, plans to use this experience for future use.

“This is just another place I can play music,” Stewart said. “I’m in a separate band right now, a Christian band made up of members who go to my church.”

The band Stewart plays for is Grace Junction, and they’ve recently recorded an album he said he hopes garners positive attention.

The Straughn String Band members said they all agree that they enjoy the program because the students are able to teach fellow students, they have fun and the group is like a family.

For their first performance of the year, the band plans to wow the crowds at its homecoming next week.

“Homecoming is a big deal around here,” McGlaun said. “I am so proud of this year’s group.

“They work hard, play hard and have fun every day.”

Homecoming begins Oct. 3 at 8:38 a.m. and the string band will begin performing around 9 or 9:15 a.m.

“They’re here to boost school spirit,” she said.

The next performance for the band will be at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Kiwanis Fair.

“Mr. (John) Evers’ (SHS principal) support is phenomenal,” McGlaun said. “He allows us to perform at many different activities during the year at school including homecoming.”