The Santaluces Marching Chiefs performed at the 35th annual Boca Raton Cavalcade Saturday, winning second place out of ten other schools. The competition took place at Boca Raton High School.

This was the first competition of the year and the debut for several new members. The total number of band members is up to 60 this year.

“With a lot of freshmen, the band needs to be able to focus and play their part on the field,” said Drum Major T.J. Mason, a Junior.

The band started practice August 15th, along with individual meetings during the summer. The band stepped up their game since last year, playing higher level music, and mastering tougher drills, (along with props). The band practices every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The competition was the band’s second complete performance of the season. The first performance was at the first varsity football game in August.

The band’s theme for the 2017 season is The Phantom of the Opera, playing selections like The Phantom of the Opera (opener), Wish You Were Somehow Here Again, and Masquerade.

The band hopes to add one final song, Music of the Night, before their next competition on October 14 at John I. Leonard High School.

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Teresa Velarde

Marching Chiefs 2nd place trophy.