OCTOBER 27, 1967
Debbie, Gordon Excel In Music, Art Fields
"Shorty," as she is known to many members of the band, spends most of her time practicing the drums. She feels that Maine is important to her because "I started my music career here."
Although centering her life around music and drumming, Debbie states, "I try to get all my homework done before I practice." Because she is planning to attend a four-year college, she wants to keep her grades high.
Debbie admits that people tease her because of her size and her intense interest in playing the drums. "People accuse me of being a tomboy - that's not true."
When asked about Maine West, Debbie stated, "The music Department here is fabulous." Debbie added that she felt that school spirit lacked enthusiasm. She admitted that spirit is improving. "I think that this last pep assembly (Homecoming) was more enthusiastic than any I've attended in my four years at Maine."
Besides playing the drums, Debbie also has been taking piano lessons for two years. To further her education in musical background, she is enrolled in music appreciation.
Although her parents did not like her to practice at home when she first began playing the drums, they encourage her to play now. In fact, they invite her to play for their guests.
Drums have helped Debbie with one of her problems. "A lot of times I get angry, and banging away on the drums helps to relieve my hostilities towards the world."
Mr. George Blanas, head of the Art Department, described Gordon as an "extremely talented young man, who has great drawing ability and could go on in the art field." But when asked about this talent, Gordon modestly replied, "I feel anybody can have artistic talent."
He explained that to express yourself nowadays on paper "is very easy - just put down what you feel." Gordon believes that the Maine West Art Department "has an excellent teaching staff, good facilities, and lots of tools to work with." He also believes that he has gained a closer insight into his environment and is more aware of his surroundings because of his art instructions.
When asked about his plans after high school, Gordon immediately answered that he was interested in the commercial art field and wanted to attend Northern Illinois University or Bradley University. Then he plans to study commercial art at the Chicago Academy or American Academy of Art, followed by a career in that field.
The only thing wrong with our country according to Gordon is that we do not accept the Negroes as much as we should.
"We have many good athletes and other Negro people who are in every way as good or better than white people."