“The winner of this year’s band review and field show tournament goes to… Arcadia High School!”

If you told me three years ago that I’d be in the stands, listening to those words and applauding, I’d have thought you were joking. Coming from a 2A school where music wasn’t very important, I was so surprised by how much music was valued here at the high school. I believe that my memorization’s always been pretty good, but here, it was truly challenged. Over 80 pages of dots, three pages of music, and countless parts of choreography to remember, it’s been a wild ride from band camp during the summer to now: state championships.

From early mornings to late nights, the entire band’s been together for all of it. From complete sweeps (highest awards for field shows) to some bad days where we didn’t do as well, everyone’s been there. Each member puts in lots of effort, practice, and tons of hours every week to represent our school when we go out to compete. 

Some say marching band’s not a sport; I disagree. The amount of practice we put in each week is a lot, just like any other sport. Many members joke that it’s like the Orchesis Dance Company with all choreography. While it may look easy to some, it’s a meticulous and tiring extracurricular. But for the people who are part of it, all this is worth being able to say “We’re Arcadia. We’re one of the best bands in the entire Southern California.” 

However, it’s not just about the work everyone puts in, it’s also about how close all this brings everyone. Meeting my section this year has probably been one of the biggest blessings I’ve ever had. It started out as some people who helped me improve my skills, but now they feel like my second family. So thank you so much, section leaders Ethan, Bosco, Noah, Jaime, and Angelina, and my old/new friends Jenny, Rakel, Benjamin, Christopher, Alex, and Vaisakh, along with everyone else. You all mean the world to me.

I can’t believe that the season is almost over. It feels like yesterday when I first walked into that band room. I could have never imagined how much this program would help me grow, learn, and test my physical capabilities. Yes, I have cried on that field (and off), felt so light-headed at times that I couldn’t stand, and found out that I have photophobia (an abnormal sensitivity to light). But would I give it all to be able to experience this season again? 100%.