Jazz Band

Marcina Anderson was in fourth grade when she began playing the clarinet. In sixth grade, she took up piano. In seventh grade, Anderson discovered jazz. The genre allowed her "total expression" in her music, she said. "You can be free with it It helps you show a lot of aspects of yourself," said Anderson, now 18, who played keyboard with the jazz band at South Hagerstown High School. In December, she joined the five-member Just Before Midnight Jazz Combo. Comprised of four students and the school's director of bands, Tony Domenico, the combo released a compact disc last month.

Many thanks To the editor: On Feb. 20, the Boonsboro Band Boosters held a dinner dance to help raise funds for a utility trailer. Our jazz band provided the music for an evening of family entertainment. We would like to thank all those involved with making our dinner dance a success. Thanks to director John Eckstine and the members of the jazz band for their hard work and dedication. Also, a big thank you to all the following businesses who provided items for our raffle and silent auction: Hagerstown Automotive, Ground Round, Boonsboro Rotary Club, Ruby Tuesday, Fitness Priority, Hagerstown Suns, Family Recreation Park, Hagerstown Billiards & Cafe', Sports Connection, Lowes, Washington Co. Tractor Pullers, Terry's Auto Center, The Potting Shed, Bast of Boonsboro, Tortuga, Asaros, Martins, Old Pike Inn, Town Center Pizza, Homeplace Everlasting, Family Skating Center, Applebees, The Figurehead II, Crazy Charlies, Richardsons, Boonsboro Pharmacy, Walmart, and Sams Club.

Here are some of the things happening this week in Washington County Public Schools: Today o Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Schools and central office closed. Tuesday, Jan. 20 o Professional Learning Day - No school for students. o Facilities and Enrollment Advisory Committee meeting, 5:45 p.m. William Brish Planetarium - "The Stargazer," 7 p.m. Washington County Technical High - Advisory committee breakfast, 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 Boonsboro Elementary - Battle of the Books, 2:30 p.m.; MSA Prep Club, 2:30 p.m.; Technology Club, 2:30 p.m. Conococheague Elementary - PTA meeting, 5:30 p.m. E. Russell Hicks Middle - Jazz Band, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; All County Middle School Band rehearsal, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Elementary - Lois Manfull nutrition class for third-graders, 12:45 p.m. Old Forge Elementary - Math tutoring, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Music Club, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Pleasant Valley Elementary - Band/orchestra winter concert, 6:30 p.m. Rockland Woods Elementary - "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"

Matt Baer Smithsburg Soccer Senior How difficult is it for you to balance athletics with your academic requirements? "It's not too hard. School always comes first. You just have to keep a good attitude. " Who has had the biggest influence on your life? "My father. He instilled a good work ethic in me. " Why do you like the sport you play? "I enjoy the way the game is played, and I love how much of a team sport it truly is. " What is your proudest moment, on or off the field?

Three Washington County students have been named the recipients of the Mabel R. Widdows Scholarship through Shiloh United Methodist Church. The students are: Ryan Keller is a senior and a kinesiology major at University of Maryland, College Park. He graduated with honors from Smithsburg High School in 2007, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and co-captain of the soccer team. After graduation, Ryan looks forward to pursuing further education toward a career in physical therapy.

1. Now you see it ... The TV show, "Masters of Illusion: Impossible Magic" will perform live at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Shippensburg University, off Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, Pa. Tickets cost $29 to $42. Call 717-477-7469 or go to www.luhrscenter.com . 2. 'Nutcracker' "A Candlelight Nutcracker" will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at...