By Annabeth Miller.
ShowMe Times Editor
A young Dexter musician is preparing to embark on a great adventure that will lead west to some of America’s great landmarks.
Brooks Probst, son of Molly and Darin Probst, is a member of the Missouri Lions All-State Band. The Dexter Lions Club sponsors Probst, who will be a sophomore at Dexter High School in the fall.
The band gathered earlier this week at Fort Leonard Wood, the U.S. Army base near Rolla. The band is rehearsing and preparing for their journey. According to his mother, the week of rehearsal is no picnic. The band members are staying in a military barracks, and must march in formation to the dining hall for each of their daily meals.
High school band members from throughout the ShowMe State are participating in this annual all-state band. Membership is determined by performance ability, attitude, and moral character. Local high school band director must also submit an evaluation of character and playing ability.
The band’s website explains that it is a combination marching band and show band.
“Versatility is the key word, as the group will perform in parades and concerts,” the website states. “A variety of musical styles will be performed. The band will consist of a balanced horn line, a full drum line, and color guard.”
“They are marching in a parade at Mount Rushmore on the Fourth of July,” Molly Probst said. She said she told Brooks to be sure and ask some take a photo of him – in band uniform – at Mount Rushmore!
The band director for this summer’s Missouri Lions All-State Band is Steve Eubanks, retired band director from Jeffferson City. Eubanks taught for 25 years in Jefferson City, and his Marching Jay Band performed in a number of top parades, including the Rose and Orange parades.
The band is schedule to present a concert Thursday evening at Fort Leonard Wood, and will leave on its journey on Friday. Although the itinerary may change due the fires out west, the band is scheduled to visit Rapid City, SD, and Colorado Springs, Col. Band members will return to Missouri on July 8. The band will get back together later in July for the Lions All-State Football Game in Warrensburg.
Probst is a member of the trombone section in the Missouri Lions All-State Band. He is a member of the DHS Marching Bearcats and the Jazz ‘Cats bands under the direction of Scott Rybolt. In addition, the musically- talented Probst was a member of a DHS trombone quartet that received a I rating at State Music Contest, and also participated in vocal solo and piano solo at the state contest. Probst is also a member of the Dexter Show Choir, directed by MaryRuth Boone.
