By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
managing editor

KEYSER — The Keyser High School Golden Tornado Marching Band will be paying tribute to a musical phenomenon this year when they reveal their 2009-2010 show, “Riverdance.”
The band — which has continued to grow in numbers over the past few years — will be taking the show on the road for  a busy competition season.
Perhaps even more exciting to the student musicians and guard members, however, will be the opportunity to play on the turf of the new Keyser High School Athletic Complex for the first time.
The students and instructors have been spending their long summer days on the practice field adjacent to the new complex however, working diligently to get the notes and the steps down to the complex show.
“'Riverdance' is a dramatization of the Irish people leaving their homeland to move to America during the devastating years of the potato famine,” band director Suzanne Warrick explains. “It is the realization of the necessity of leaving one's home to look for a better future. It celebrates a person's roots with the acceptance to thrive with change.
“The stage group 'Riverdance' combines Irish step dancing with a Broadway style of music and a dedicated chorus.
“Our show features their elaborate footwork through our drumline,” she continued.
The show is broken down into four separate sections.
“Part 1 includes 'Cloudsong' and the 'Riverdance' chorus, with Ashley Elliott as our featured soloist,” Warrick said.
“Part 2 includes 'The Heart's Cry,' 'Women of the Sidhe,' and 'Andalucia,' with Kendra Keplinger on trumpet and Brad Ryan on trombone.
“Part 3 is the chorus 'Lift the Wings,' and the Irish reel 'American Wake,' with Ashley Elliott on the trumpet, and Part 4 is the 'Finale' with a final chorus.”
Crescenda Beckwith is the drum major for the 2009-2010 band, which consists of 48 playing members and 20 guard members.
“We have increased in numbers this year and are very happy with the students' progress,” Warrick said.
In addition to Warrick, other instructors working with the band this summer include: Christopher Warrick, drill design and instruction;  Bob Hamilton, battery arrangement and percussion instruction. Suzanne Warrick is also doing color guard choreography and instruction. 
Warrick said she is excited to be able to bring this show to the area.
“The actual stage group 'Riverdance' celebrated its 15 years this summer and, sadly, has darkened its stage forever. This is our tribute to their creativity and longevity,” she said.
“We hope you enjoy  the show.”