As the newest member to the community I should probably start with a brief (brief) intro. My name is Sam O’Keefe and I started working with The News & Advance in Lynchburg on Monday after working South Carolina. Assignment number one for me was a press conference, but day number two offered a little more visual fun photographing a marching band practice and an elementary school performance. Enjoy!

Ryan Sexton holds his cymbals high as he practices with the Jefferson High School marching band on Tuesday Dec. 13. The band will tavel to England to perform in the 2012 London New Year's Day Parade.

Perrymont Elementary student Nathan Bateman blows a kiss over the crowd as the chorus of kindergarten and first-graders take their places on stage for Tuesday evening's Holiday Zoobilee performance.