LETTERS: JHS YEARBOOK GAVE ALL BANDS PROMINENCE

To the editor:

I am writing in response to the Speak Out caller of Sept. 28 who is displeased with the band coverage in the Jackson High School Silver Arrow yearbook. As band secretary and co-editor-in-chief of the 1998-99 yearbook, I feel I should relay some additional information to readers.

Jackson High School is home to five wonderful bands: the Marching Chiefs, the JHS pep band, the symphonic band, the Chiefs concert band and the jazz band. A photo of each band was placed in the yearbook with a description of the band and a summary of events each band performed in. On the facing page, photos of the twirlers, front line and All-State band had to be included. I invite the caller to look at past issues of the Silver Arrow. I am sure the caller will find that the band had more coverage this year than in years past. There was even a feature on a separate page detailing the traditions the band holds. In fact, one of the band directors saw a final proof of the layout and commented that the coverage was "excellent."

It is true the photos are taken from far away. It is practically impossible to get 183 people in the picture so everyone can be recognized. In regard to listing the names of all members of all bands, there simply wasn't room. As the person who did the layout, I thought the members would be interested in pictures more than names.

As yearbook co-editor, I feel the staff did the best job possible with the pictures and information that were made available. Seventeen hard-working, dedicated staff members spent nearly 3,500 hours to produce one of the best yearbooks in Jackson High School history. It's sad that only negative comments about the book are being heard. But that's how things are today, focusing on what's wrong with everything instead of looking at what's right.

SARA McCALLISTER

Jackson