SEMO BAND PERFORMS CONCERT FOR A FRIEND

JACKSON, Mo. -- It isn't often a girl gets serenaded these days. Rarer still when the serenade comes from an entire marching band.

Alissa Blechle was treated to a private concert when the Golden Eagles Marching Band of Southeast Missouri State University assembled for a surprise performance in her yard Wednesday.

Blechle, who played trombone with the band for two years, was forced to sit out the fall season after being badly injured in a motorcycle accident this summer.

She had been hospitalized since July 14 and uses a wheelchair.

Her fellow band members, who returned to school for band camp Sunday, had been keeping tabs on Blechle.

"The kids are really close," said band director Barry Bernhardt. "The band has never been huge, and I think that's good because it's more of a family."

When the band found out Blechle would be released Tuesday night members decided to welcome her home.

"I'm fortunate to work with good kids," Bernhardt said.

Bernhardt said he called Blechle's mother, Bonnie. "I said, Don't tell her, but we're coming over if that's OK with you,'" Bernhardt said.

Blechle's parents agreed, and the band sneaked over Wednesday afternoon.

"Sometimes people have a hard time surprising me, but I was totally surprised," Blechle said.

"It was the first time I've ever been so happy and excited that I've cried," she said.

Bonnie Blechle said they tried to keep Alissa busy so the 120-member band could arrive undetected.

Finally, Alissa looked up and saw a strange reflection in the glass doors.

"She said, 'Hey, there's a bass drum in the yard,' and a second later, The band is in our front yard.'"

The band played the school fight song and the theme from "Shaft," part of the new half-time program. They also played "Hey Baby," changing the words to "Hey Alissa" and sang the alma mater for Blechle.

The music fraternity and sorority also each serenaded her.

Though she has to stay home for the fall semester, Blechle is eager to get back into the band's groove. She hopes to be able to practice some with the show band later in the fall and be back at school for spring semester.

"As soon as my clavicle and fingers heal I'm going to try to play my horn again," Blechle said.