Marching Band Family Day takes ‘practice makes perfect’ to another level

“One, Two, Three, Four,” senior Sarah Gakobo counts, trying not to miss her mark. More than 100 hours of practices and rehearsals preceding the  debut of colorguard’s new routine encourages her to execute flag perfection at marching band’s Family Day, August 16. “I love this years new theme,” Gakobo said. “[The theme is] basically a storyline and our (colorguard’s) dances are important because they help convey the story.”

Concentration clear on his face, senior Giovanni Verez syncs tempo with fellow drumline members. Adamance to make every performance Verez’s best overpowers his thinking. “When I am performing, I, of course, focus on the obvious things like staying in tempo and locking in with other drummers. But, I also focus on putting as much energy as possible in every run through,” Verez said. “Being able to leave a great legacy behind, as it is my senior year, is my number one goal for the season.”

Looking forward to prospective band leadership positions, junior Joseph Loch follows the lead of the current drum majors section leaders.  “Next year, Ill be leading so I’d like to learn as much as possible this upcoming season,” Loch said. “I’ve been drumming for about six years now. It’s all I do and want to do.”

Painting the wind yellow, senior Charlie Dunlap dances and performs one of colorguard’s flag routines. “A lot of our dance movements are ‘dancey’ of course but they are also include football moves as our theme this year is football. I love our new routine,” Dunlap said.

Celebrating her mastery over the rifle, senior Miranda Oliveri chucks it into the air. “I like the rifles more than the flags. It’s harder and takes longer to learn so mastering it feels more rewarding,” Oliveri said.

New colorguard director,Trey Gaines, talks to the marching band in center-field prior to their performance. “Trey is great. He came in last year during the fall season a few times. From then, I’ve grown to like him. I actually like him more than our previous instructor,” Dunlap said.

Families enjoy the many activities offered at the all-day annual family day event.