2002 Era

The Tracks TV show, from its start in 1995 to 2013 and BEYOND, is reflected in these pages

10th Year Reunion-Plus!

This page shows what the Class of 2002 intensely viewed in anticipation of its 10-year reunion. That class was so focused on that meeting that they gave about 1,500 views to the videos on this one page in about two months time. And you, too, will see that class created some striking memories.

The sequel to the Joe Black could not be shown in school because of a bomb-making segment. The music video of a shower scene had to have a bit less skin to be shown on Tracks. But both were shown as Michael originally edited them on a special night-time art festival at school.

1-2002 Candid Photos of All Graduates: Senior Michael Long made it his mission to capture images for all of the seniors and set this to music. It is true he could just "Snap My Picture," as in the popular hit of the time, but he did more than just snap. He tried to capture the essence of his subjects.

2- 2002 Lead-in: Tracks had many lead-ins over the years. This was easily one of the best, as the audience never tired of seeing its 36 seconds to introduce the show. See and give a listen to this opening by Michael Long to the Tracks show. Does it drop the pump cover or what?!

3- 2001-02 Fashion: Guy and Girl fashion statements are made through a procession of different styles.

4- 2002 Announcers: Mr. Preston was sponsor for the leadership advocate class that took on the role of announcing in the afternoon and at advocate, including Fridays on Tracks. Here's a sampling using the teleprompter.

5- Bond Issue Claymation: This animation was well received by the superintendent and the school board. Too bad there was no internet for a wider audience. James Dudli often partnered with Michael Long to make supere videos, and this is James at his best.

6- Classic Joe Black: Michael Long's interrogation of his suspect (James) has continually been used as a model for the conversation assignment. The use of light is especially dramatic, using lights from the Tracks broadcast room. There is no cameraman but only a tripod. The library conference room gave the setting for the interrogation.

7- Classic Love Potion: This was shot in the courtyard that was visible from the first and second of three classrooms during the Tracks run of 19 years. This helped set the standard for the early classes on what a music video was to be: words match the pictures.

8- Five Students of the Week: This combines five different awards of the Student of the Week by Principal Miller. Miller faithfully did one such award a week to be broadcast the next week. Tracks was usually shown on a Tuesday and a Thursday during Miller’s tenure as principal instead of the Friday for most other years.

9- 2002 Michael Long, snap my picture, music video: Michael did this music video with his friend Chris and an AFS student from Ireland. It was done for his exam using a setting close to the Tryon Fine Arts Center.

10- Odel's Tribute to His Dad, the son's grandpa: Mr. Odel and his son play a song with slides that pay tribute to Odel's dad. It made probably the most memorable part of the talent show or certainly the most touching. Mr. Odel helped sponsor the Guitar Club in advocate for many years.

11- Valentine's Day 2002: This has three super Valentine Day episodes of romantic hopes that go awry. All were originally conceived and edited by Michael Long to advertise a blind date contest for the newspaper.

12-Michael Long Music Video (3:36) It was certain that Michael was gifted at this "video and music stuff" and destined to become a big-time video editor. This music video offered proof.

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