West Ranch’s Marching Band and family members gathered in the theater to celebrate their senior students on the evening of Nov. 20. From wind instrument players to color guard members, the event was filled with activities and remembrance.
Before the celebration, the band held its final rehearsal on campus, which was followed by a performance at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association championships, an annual competition featuring various bands in Southern California. The band did one last run on the field, despite the pouring rain, to make the best out of their final practice.
Senior percussion player Rachel Ozhekim noted how participating in the band has impacted her: “It’s definitely taught me discipline. We have up to thirteen-hour practices, and being able to balance that with AP classes and homework is pretty crazy.” She also described the strong relationships she had formed along the way, which helped her throughout high school.
During the event, seniors were organized by last name to be presented on stage along with their parents. While Band Director Dr. Scheuller announced the seniors’ favorite band memories along with their future career paths, students posed for the camera with their families. Some students even took a solo shot, making dynamic poses at the front of the stage.
Sophomore baritone player Hannah Smith explained how seniors have “been a big support system for like the emotional side of things.” Seniors also helped her with logistical activities such as performing music and demonstrating techniques.
With a marching band consisting of groups of different instruments, some members expressed their gratitude towards their senior section members by writing them cards and buying them presents. Smith and her section members organized a card with thoughtful messages from each member, as well as gift cards from Chipotle, Starbucks and In-N-Out to give to their senior, Josephine Adames-Baena.
Through multiple tough seasons in the band, baritone section leader Josephine Adames-Baena emphasized, “I’m happy to finally be done with the sport, but it brought me many experiences and memories that I will never forget and shaped who I am now.”
Attendees celebrated this moment with desserts and hot chocolate at the end of the announcements. During this time, students and their relatives took pictures and socialized until the night drew to an end.
While reminiscing on memories with the seniors, Dr. Schueller commented, “Some [seniors] have tremendous drive and determination, others have quiet intensity, some are quite boisterous, and then there are those that just play their role and do their job. Regardless of that, they all have a desire to succeed.” He continued, “their contributions to our ensembles have produced some major successes and unforgettable performances.”
Cats, make sure to wish seniors success in their future endeavors!
