WOODBRIDGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MIGHTY VIKING SENIORS

WOODBRIDGE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
MIGHTY VIKING SENIORS
2011
Alex Thompson
French Horn/Mellophone
Alex has been a part of the Viking Band for all four years of his high school career, playing both the french horn
and the mellophone. He played in varsity band for one year, concert band for two years, and finally symphonic band
his senior year. He participated in the Mighty Viking Marching Band for all four years as well, and played with the
Pep Band for three years before becoming the mascot in his last year. During his senior year, Alex served as Drum
Major of the marching band and helped to lead the band to a superior rating at the VBODA marching festival, their
second one in four years. Upon graduating high school Alex plans to study history and education at Christopher
Newport University, with hopes of becoming a high school history teacher one day. He plans to march with the
CNU Marching Captains, though is not quite sure of the rest of his music career. Throughout his four years Alex
has experienced so much and would like to thank all of his friends (including the freshmen) that he has met along
the way. They mean the world to him, and he would not be the same person today without them. He wants to say
thank you to the senior class especially for being the best graduation class ever. He also wishes to thank the band
boosters for supporting not only him but the rest of the band as well, and the assorted band directors that have given
him guidance throughout the years. Finally he wants to thank Mr. Carder for all his hard work he has done, and for
truly making his band experience by far his favorite. He is truly glad Mr. C stood by him through all of the early
performances and rehearsals, and helped him to progress as an individual, a musician, and a leader. He wishes the
Vikings best of luck, and hopes to hear news of their continued success for years to come.
Johnathan Bergmann
Percussion
John has been part of the Woodbridge Band for four years. He spent his freshman year in Varsity Band, sophomore
and junior years in Concert Band, and senior year in Symphonic. He was also part of the Mighty Viking Marching
Band all four years and had a wonderful time being a "Blueman" during his senior year. Some of the outstanding
band memories include the trips to Disney and New York, perfoming at UVA, being part of the award winning
drumline, once again becoming a Virginia Honor Band, and serving as co-section leader with Mike. John also
participated in crew for 2 years and was a member of the swim team for 4 years. John served as captain of the
swim team during his senior year. He would like to thank Mr. Carder and the dedicated band parents for making
everything possible and his father for always taking such wonderful pictures of all his events. Next year John will
be attending Northern Virginia Community College and continue to work at Chinn Aquatics Center.
Jordan Bushong
Alto Saxophone
Born in Ohio, Jordan developed three things from an early age: dealing with professional sports failures, an
interesting vocabulary, and a keen sense for music. Growing up as a small child, Jordan was drawn to a variety of
sounds including polka and blues inspired rock and roll. Seeing as the saxophone is one of the most versatile band
instruments, the choice was easy once sixth grade band presented the opportunity. From there, Jordan’s interests
expanded like a marshmallow Peep in the microwave. In eighth grade, Jordan found his true passion, guitar. With
the help of Mr. Carder’s inspirational interpretation of music and hardnosed attitude, Jordan quickly learned how
to be a musician. With the attributes of playing saxophone, guitar, piano, accordion, harmonica, and kazoo, Jordan
has performed live at several venues, including the premiere venue of Washington D.C., the 930 Club. All of
Jordan’s musical success would not be possible without best friend, Renfred Harper, who is skilled at both
percussion and piano. All of Jordan’s personal success would not be possible without his loving family of Greg,
Paula, and Jared. Jordan will be attending the College of William and Mary this fall. He hopes to continue his
passion of music, writing, and humor.
Anthony Carlton
Percussion
I joined the percussion class in 10th grade. Before that I was in choir from Kindergarten to 8th grade. I’m really glad
I switched to percussion; probably the best decision of my life. I have discovered that music is my true passion and
that is what I want to pursue for the rest of my life. From marching band, to percussion ensemble, my music
technology classes, and finally to symphonic I have had some really great memories. I have also come a long way
under the instruction of Mr. Carder and several others students and adults from where I started in 10th grade. I
couldn’t read a single note back then. And now to think I teach other people! The satisfaction of knowing you helped
teach someone is a great feeling. This has helped me decide that I want to be a music teacher in the future. I will be
attending Old Dominion University starting in the fall semester of 2011 and majoring in Music. I hope to get into
their drum line so that I can increase my knowledge with marching band. I would like to thank my family for being
so supportive even when I doubted myself. And of course I can’t leave out the drum line. This last year especially
has been one of the best because of you guys. And I expect big things from all of you! And thank all the great people
in all the bands. The memories will last a life time thanks to all of you.
Renfred Harper
Percussion
Hailing from the far north of Alexandria, Virginia, Renfred Harper began his extensive music career starting in
2002, with weekly private piano lessons. He soon moved to Woodbridge and began to take up percussion in 6th
grade after finding an appeal to the plethora of percussion instruments his middle school had to offer. In high
school, he enrolled in the Woodbridge Mighty Viking Marching Band and continued to receive many various awards
for piano solo performance. He also actively participates in Symphonic Band and has performed in a variety of live
venues such as the nationally acclaimed 930 Club of Washington DC. Renfred will be attending George Mason
University this fall with aspirations of majoring in Biology and pursuing a career in pharmacy, so he can continue
to spread the wonders of music one prescription at a time.
Sara LaPoint
Alto Saxophone
I am a four year member of the band; one year in Varsity, one year in Concert, and two years in Symphonic. I am
also a four year member of the marching band. I was the section leader of the saxophone section (aka best section
three years running) for two years. I was also a member of the academic team (regional champs mind you.) I plan
on attending Old Dominion University in the fall. I intend to major in International Relations. I will also be
marching with the Monarch marching band. I would like to thank all my friends for making it a memorable four
years. I would also like to thank my parents for always supporting me no matter how ridiculous my aspirations
are… oh and for cleaning a massive amount of band pants. Go class of 2011!!!
Brent Connolly
Tuba
Brent has been a member of the Woodbridge Band for all four years of his high school career. He was in Varsity
band in freshman year, Concert band in his sophomore year, and the Symphonic band for the remaining two years,
and was in the marching band for all four years. He will be attending Old Dominion University next year and
majoring in computer science.
Katie Bolander
Trumpet
Katie has been a part of the Woodbridge band program for three years. Along with band, Katie is a member of the
National Honor Society, Beta Club, and she participates in varsity basketball and soccer at Woodbridge. In the fall,
Katie will attend Virginia Polytechnic and State University where she plans to study Engineering.
Emily Lucile Glomb
Clarinet
Emily was born and raised her in Lake Ridge, Virginia. Outside of school, she loves to be involved with various
community service and volunteer opportunities, and she also thoroughly enjoys ballroom dance, attending theatrical
shows, and watching old movies. In school, she is involved with the National Honor Society, and is the Secretary of
the Italian Honor Society. She has been playing clarinet under the direction of Mr. Carder in the Symphonic Band
since her freshman year, and would like to thank him and her mother for all their help and encouragement over the
years. Emily will attend Christopher Newport University in the fall.
Tyler Jones
Trumpet
After high school, I plan on going to Northern Virginia Community College for two years for my Associates Degree.
Afterwards I want to go to Old Dominion University, but I haven’t decided on what to do from there. I have been in
one year of Varsity Band, two years of Concert Band, and my senior year in Symphonic Band. I also did marching
band all four years, and have played the trumpet for my entire high school career. I also earned my Eagle Scout
during my senior year of high school.
Stephen Resko
Clarinet
Stephen was a member of the Mighty Viking Marching Band for three years and a one year member of the Newsome
Wolfpack Marching Band at Newsome High School in Lithia, Florida. Stephen was the clarinet co-section leader
with Emma Berry during marching band this year. His favorite marching band moments were the Disney Trip and
bus rides to competitions. Stephen was a member of Concert Band for one year and Symphonic Band for two years.
Stephen participated in many other band and orchestra opportunities; to include All County Band, Pit Orchestra,
and Full Orchestra. His biggest high school achievement was the “Academic Award”. Stephen is also a member of
the Boy Scouts of America, National Honor Society, Anime Club, and Church Youth Group. In addition to band,
Stephen takes private piano lessons and learns Japanese. He also did some great opportunities such as building a
½ mile long trail at Quantico for his Eagle Project and helped raise money at the 5K marathon at Forest Park High
School for the victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake. Stephen would like to thank his family for their support. This
fall, Stephen will attend Northern Virginia Community College for two years then plans to transfer to James
Madison University to major in Computer Science and minor in Music. “I will miss you all and always stay in
touch!! Thanks for making my SENIOR YEAR a great year!! Domo Arigato!”
Erich Burkholder
Trumpet
After high school I am going to Northern Virginia Community College for two years, and then transferring to a four
year college. I play trumpet. I was in marching band for four years and section leader for one year. I was in
Varsity Band for one year, Concert Band for two years, and Symphonic Band for one year.
Annie Berry
Oboe
Annie Berry is a four year member of the Woodbridge Senior High School Symphonic Band. While in high school,
she participated in the chamber music program for two years, and the marching band for two years. She
participated in numerous honors bands, including All County, All District, and All State. She was principal oboist of
both the All County Band and Orchestra her junior and senior years. As a junior, Annie had the privilege of playing
in the Kennedy Center during a National Symphony rehearsal of "Beethoven Found". In her sophomore and junior
years, Annie was a member of the Youth Orchestras of Prince William County. In her senior year, she was principal
oboist of Flutopia, a high school honors group directed by Jenny Lapple. In February of her senior year, Annie had
the honor of playing with this group in Carnegie Hall, in New York City. Annie would like to thank her parents,
John Berry and Jean Arcuni, as well as her sister Emma for their love and support these past four years. Also, she
would like to thank Mr. Ron Sipes, her private teacher, for his unwavering support and his belief in her over the past
several years. A thanks goes to all of Annie's fellow musicians and friends in the past four years- it was a pleasure
playing with you. Last but certainly not least, Annie would like to thank the directors who have helped her so much:
Mr. Mark Carder (director of bands- WSHS), Ms. Taryn Wood (director of orchestras- WSHS), and Judy and Jenny
Lapple (founder/directors of Flutopia). She would not be here without your help and support.
Annie will be attending James Madison University in the fall of 2011 to study music and oboe performance under
Dr. Michele Kirkdorffer.
Matthew Jackson
Trumpet
Matthew has been a member of the Mighty Viking Marching Band for four years. He has spent one year in Varsity
band, two in Concert, and his last year in Symphonic Band. Outside of band he has been a member of the Anime
club, Film club, and Strategic gaming club, and a Venturing Crew. Matthew plans on going to South Dakota State
University and study Electronics Engineering Technology.
Tierra Hardin
Flute
Tierra hardin has been in marching band for all four years. She was in varsity band for one year, concert band for
one year, and symphonic band for two years. She is attending Virginia Union University and is majoring in
Sociology.
Best of luck to all the seniors of 2011!!