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November 9, 2009
Shelmi Liang
Homecoming is one of the most important events for the school, especially for the school marching band. Under the instruction of music teacher, Duane Mitchell, the students aim to shine with their musical abilities in front of a large audience. The band performs a field show during half-time at the homecoming football game. For three weeks prior to the event, the band practices during class at Tak Fudenna Stadium.
“We [also] practice after school for about an hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the teacher parking lot,” senior Nicole Torio said.
The song they are performing this year is called “Malaguena” arranged by Michael Sweeney, which is a slightly more difficult piece than last year’s.
The population of students in band has decreased. However, the size overall has remained fairly the same for awhile. There are more underclassmen than upperclassmen, however the upperclassmen have more experience. It is also a small group compared to other schools; they only have 34 students in band as opposed to other schools with many more students. If a WHS student plays an instrument, they are encouraged to join.
The shortage of band members has a big impact on what the band has the ability to perform on the field.
“Line formation is probably spread out more,” senior John Rasure said.
The reason why the line formation is spread out more is to fill the field with people so it looks aesthetically pleasing to the crowd. Conducted by senior Chris Valdez, the band played a short, yet sweet “Malaguena.” Although Washington lost their homecoming game, the field performance by the band impressed the crowd.
“The band seemed on point and coordinated. They did a good job getting everybody pumped for the next half of the game,” senior Naser Mohabbat said.
