Everyone sees the amazing performances at games and pep rallies that the Marching Band and the Color Guard put on, but have you ever wondered the behind-the-scenes preparation for these amazing events? It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and time to perfect their craft and perform it. They play one of the biggest roles at games and pep rallies by hyping up students, teachers, administration, and guests.
Maddox Estema is a student here at Santaluces who is a part of the Marching Band. We asked him how he preps for games and pep rallies; he says, “I prepare for games and pep rallies by doing our warmups and practicing the music before we go out and perform.” This helps him remember to not stress and relax. When you are included in something like Marching Band, you are a part of a family. He has formed many long-lasting friendships through Marching Band.
Jeneva Smith is a dancer with the Color Guard and student here at Santaluces High School. Jeneva’s favorite part of football games is when the football team at Santaluces scores a touchdown and the conductor, Josue Gomez, shouts out “Tomahawk!!” Everyone gets super excited; we celebrate the touchdown, and then we go right into dancing. When performing Color Guard, it makes it almost impossible to feel nervous; maybe some jitters. Jeneva says when she joined Color Guard, “The girls were very welcoming, positive, and encouraging,” so that helps calm all the nerves. Before the pep rallies and games, the girls will hang out, do each other’s make-up, and have lots of fun!
Jeneva joined the Color Guard team because when she saw the competition videos, she thought they were “breathtaking and super entertaining.” She says she was mesmerized by the flag tossing that some of the girls do, so she couldn’t help but not to join the Color Guard.
Stephanie Paxtor is one of the captains for the Color Guard team here at Santaluces. She thinks that others should join Color Guard because it is a way to learn new skills, it’s an opportunity for kids to grow as performers, and it is an amazing way to meet new people and create friendships.
The marching band and Color Guard work tirelessly so that everyone around them is excited for school events. They work hard all school year long, so when it’s time for school events, their performances are the best they can be. Anyone can join the Marching Band and Color Guard; it’s more than just a team; it’s a family. Want to join? Head over to room #3114 when you can!
