Submitted by:
Dr.Angelita Felix, Albuquerque, N.M.
Raven Ann Dickens, daughter of Max and Brenda Dickens, Rio Rancho, NM, was selected Head Drum Major for V. Sue Cleveland High School’s 150-member marching band.
As Head Drum major, Raven is responsible for directing the band on a 5-foot-high platform, at home games and in state and regional marching band competitions. To be selected Head Drum Major requires an audition, and demonstration of music knowledge, skills and ability to serve as visible leader, conducting with hand motions, top quality band performance, from opening notes, with consistent timing, correct volume commands and culminating ending notes.
At a recent band competition under Raven’s direction, V. Sue Cleveland High School marching band placed first overall, first in brass, first in guard and won the People’s Choice Award. Raven directed the band at the Tournament of Bands where 35 bands from Texas and New Mexico performed in competition and V. Sue Cleveland High School placed fourth overall.
Selection to the only Head Drum Major is a distinguished school honor and demonstrates Raven Ann’s unique leadership attributes. Sue Cleveland High School has an enrollment of 2600 students and Raven’s senior class has 700 members. Raven is the first Native American member to be selected Head Drum Major.
Raven Ann is an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and 6th generation descendent of the Hidatsa Chief, Two Ravens. Raven has a Sahnish name, Winter Squash Blossom, and a Hidatsa name, White Fox. She is a granddaughter of Dr. Angelita F. Felix and the late Max Dickens, Sr. and James C. Whitman. Raven’s parents and grandparents are extremely proud of her amazing successes. Her exceptional academic and musical accomplishments reflect highly on her as an excellent representative of our MHA Tribe.
Raven is a senior and plays clarinet and her brother Blair is a sophomore and plays trumpet in the marching band. Raven has earned membership on the National Honor Society, and Raven and Blair are also accomplished pianists. Finally, Raven was also selected to V. Sue Cleveland Homecoming Court.
