By Amanda Bradshaw & Joseph Nian
Marching into the new fall season, the amazing Westmont Marching Band performs some beautiful music during the first two football games of the year. Conducted and guided by the drum major, Oscar Tsai, the large group of 35 talented musicians rigorously practice three times a week and endure the heat in the bowl to give us the best performance they can. Composed of a brass, wind, and drumline section, the marching band “involves a lot of teamwork and dedication” explains Oscar. However, marching band is not an easy sport either. Being a band player requires immense stamina and good technique to keep your performance stable. Not to mention the general nervousness one gets from performing in front of a large crowd, marching band most definitely requires a lot of effort and resilience. With their first competition coming up around October, the marching band swiftly progresses and refines both their music and drills. As a result, their performance will be sure to not disappoint, so make sure to join and watch the band if you can. But marching band is not complete without another group of performers: the Color Guard.
Under the direction of instructor Liz Peteresen, the Color Guard, made up of nine members, practices three times a week with the Marching Band. Most well known for tossing flags, Color Guard is an outdoor performing art that includes dance as well as the mastering of equipment including flag, rifle, and sabre. Guard members learn choreography and how to toss and catch equipment, all while smiling in front of an audience. In addition to the half time and competition show performed with the Marching Band, the team puts together their own self choreographed routines for rallies and other school events. Excited for the competition season to begin, senior and Color Guard veteran Sharick Vargas Reyes explains, “My favorite part is the ride back from competitions when everyone is singing on the bus.” With Color Guard not being as well known as other sports, Vargas explains, “not a lot of people know what Color Guard is and I think people should know because it’s an amazing activity and they’re missing out on this opportunity.” Junior Kayla Tu similarly expresses her love for the team explaining that, “My favorite part is everything from the people to learning different tosses. Just being there makes me happy.” Overall, the Color Guard is working towards an exciting fall season and hopes to continue their progress as well as enjoy the upcoming performances and football games ahead!
