In the efforts of cheering on the Arcadia High School (AHS) Football team, the AHS marching band performed an outstanding show at the Apaches’ first home football game that took place on Sept. 2. AHS marching band performed their recognizable field show in addition to AHS’ fight song, the Star Spangled Banner, and other songs. 

Catherine Zong, a freshman in the AHS marching band, gives an opinion on our first football game: “Performing for the football game while watching it happen in front of us was definitely a new and enjoyable experience that I’ve never had before. Everything was really interesting and pretty straightforward band-wise…Although everything seemed pretty slow paced and the game was cut short with us on the losing end, I had a lot of fun and definitely had some memorable moments.”

With an astounding first step on the field, The Apaches’ marching band started the season. With vibrant and sophisticated sounds, the marching band began the game with The “Star Spangled Banner”. The “Star Spangled Banner” touched the audience, with many putting their hands over their hearts and singing along.

This year, AHS’ field show started with a strong beginning through their consistent work. At the start of the school year, AHS marching band had many productive rehearsals. In the summer, the marching band and color guard worked long and lengthy hours while bearing through the heat. On a regular school basis, they practice every week in the morning (8:10 indicates the end of first period) and afterschool on Monday and Wednesday (3 ½ hours). In order to reach the full potential of this year’s season, the marching band continued to not only work on techniques of movement, but music as well. In the honor of school spirit, AHS marching band performed the field show almost flawlessly, reaping the benefits of all the hard work they put in throughout the summer. 

Isabella Dong, also a freshman in the AHS marching band, states that “performing at the football game for me was really fun! It was our first performance and I felt really happy that we could finally show off what we worked so hard on!”

In addition to The “Star Spangled Banner” and the field show, the AHS Marching Band performed their school’s fight song. During the first and second inning of the football game, the band attentively watched this year’s football game. Whenever our football team scored, the band played the fight song. Additionally, the pep band played many other songs as well. 

AHS Marching Band was intended to play the Alma Mater at the end of the football game. Unfortunately, as the end of quarter three approached, there was the sound of thunder. 

Based on the National Weather Service, “because electrical charges can linger in clouds after a thunderstorm has seemingly passed, experts agree that people should wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.” Thus, the football game ended early. 

Nevertheless, Arcadia High School’s Marching Band’s first football game was outstanding. As the season progresses, this band will continue to grow into a strong and outgoing group and provide a breathtaking field show to bring school spirit to the audience. 

Photos courtesy of Katrina Reghitto