BY PETE MOHR | MARCH 9, 2011

Elyssa Hartsock: A multi-talented Lady Falcon!


elyssa hartsockIf I were to ask my readers if they know senior Elyssa Hartsock, many would answer, “Sure. She’s the centerfielder for the Softball Lady Falcons. One of their most consistent hitters.” That she is; but listen to CSHS Music Director Gary Wykoff: “Elyssa is an outstanding student and, as a percussionist (primarily snare drummer), one of the most valuable – and versatile – members of our Falcon Pride Marching Band. We’re sure going to miss her next year. She is ‘Falcon Pride’ personified.”

At the last two Friday night home games for the Basketball Falcons, Elyssa organized and choreographed the halftime performances of the Marching Band’s “Drum Line,” which was enthusiastically received by the home fans. Count on Elyssa to make certain that in the 2011-2012 home season, the “Drum Line” will again be an upbeat part of “Friday Night Fever’s” halftime entertainment.

In late February, Elyssa was selected to play 1st Chair Percussion Parts in the Northwest All-Region Orchestra at Prescott. Daughter of north Scottsdalians Ember and Bob Hartsock, she will perform March 25 at ASU with the Arizona Percussive Art Society High School Honor Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Norm Weinberg.

Now for “the rest of the story”: this impressively-talented, quietly-spirited young lady is severely hearing-impaired. Head Softball Coach Danica Gianni shared with this writer her one-word, on-target accolade for Elyssa: “Inspirational!”