Three Central High Bobcat Band seniors had a signing day of their own on Tuesday, May 10, at the school’s library. Charley Rose Bible, Nicholas Fontanarosa and Jake Ensor all signed to attend the University of Tennessee this fall and play with the Pride of the Southland marching band.
It’s an impressive feat for Central’s band, currently comprised of about 70 members. These days, students have tryouts to perform with The Pride, so to be sending three from a smaller program is a tip of the hat to Band Director Alex Mink.
Charley Rose Bible: By joining the “Pride of the Southland” marching band in the fall of 2022, Bible is thrilled to be part of a family tradition that is transcending three generations. Just as her grandfather, Charles Harrington, did in the 1960s and his father, T.R. Harrington, did in the 1930s, Bible will be playing with The Pride’s drumline. Bible began playing percussion in the sixth grade and has held the positions of front ensemble captain, percussion co-captain and percussion captain during her years marching at CHS. In addition to marching band and concert band, Bible has spent many years studying piano and has received multiple Superior ratings in the National Federation of Music Clubs festival. She has taught piano lessons during her junior and senior years in high school while also serving as a Zoo Knoxville Junior volunteer where she enjoys talking to zoo patrons and sharing her knowledge and love for all things animal. Bible is proud to be finishing high school in the top 10 percent of her class and to have been voted as “Most Kind” by her classmates. She will be attending the Haslam College of Business and continuing her studies of the Chinese language.
Jake Ensor: Ensor is beyond excited to become a part of The Pride. He started playing the alto saxophone in sixth grade. He attended the L&N Stem Academy his freshman year and was part of the band there. He transferred and joined the CHS Bobcat Band his sophomore year and has loved every minute of both concert and marching season. Ensor was drum major his senior year. He will be graduating from Central with a 4.0 GPA and is a membership in the National Honor Society. He is undecided on his major, but is considering pursuing a minor in music, along with auditioning for other UT Concert ensembles. He is so excited to join The Pride and create new lifelong relationships.
Banners for the three Bobcat Band seniors.
Nicholas Fontanarosa: Fontanarosa began playing trombone in 6th grade under the tutelage of Joe Jordan and, later, Dr. Sean Greene at Gresham Middle School. Jordan introduced Fontanarosa to and instilled in him a love for jazz music. He entered the CHS Bobcat Band his freshman year under the direction of Mink and has been a member of both marching and concert band for four years. When a need arose his senior year, Fontanarosa transitioned to a new instrument and began playing the tuba (sousaphone for marching) where he was mentored by Greene. He continued to develop his love of jazz, which still holds a special place in his heart. Fontanarosa is a member of the National Honor Society. Academically he will graduate with honors and with distinction and is a Tri-Star Scholar. He is excited to join The Pride and plans to major in biological sciences. He is thrilled to continue his musical career at UTK.
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In other Bobcat news, Central’s art students have advanced to the Final Five in the Vans Custom Culture High School Design Competition. This means, at the very least, the art department will receive a $15,000. They’re still in the running for the top prize of $50,000. Thanks to everyone who voted. Go Bobcats!
Beth Kinnane is the community news editor for KnoxTNToday.com.