The marching band has ended their season with their final performance at the Pismo Band Review, Nov. 8, as well as the Veteran’s Day Parade, Nov. 11.

Along with the end of marching band, sophomore Jessica Massie, majorette, completes another year of dance routines, setting her standards high for next season. She now plans on becoming involved with the Winter Guard.

Massie began baton in fifth grade and has continued to perform for six years. She became the majorette of the high school marching band as a seventh grader.

Massie feels being majorette gives her the satisfaction and attention of being the star for a short moment.

“I like being the center of attention for a bit,” Massie said. “It feels good to have all eyes on me for a while.”

Massie practiced all season during band and as after school. Her efforts were rewarded with first prizes at Selma and Caruthers parades, and she finished second in Pismo.

Band director James Loomis recognizes Massie’s talent and the classy way she represents the entire group.

“Jessica does a fabulous job,” Loomis said. “She is the face of the band; the first thing you see when the band begins to march.”

Massie finds inspiration from her baton heroine, Yolanda Stone, who is a World Champion. Massie’s current coach is an 2002 FC graduate, Nicole (Jeffries) Medieros.

Massie’s mother, Jayne Massie, believes twirling not only gives her daughter an extracurricular activity, but teaches her life skills as well.

“It gives Jessica confidence and teaches her self-discipline,” Jayne said. “It is a great experience for her.”

Massie, who has been a band member since fifth grade, finds not being able to participate in band during marching season difficult, but loves collaborating with her fellow color-guard members.

“I miss being in band period during marching season,” Massie said. “I love my guard friends though, so it gives me more time to spend with them.”

Next year, the band and Massie look forward to receiving freshman Elizabeth Williams as a new majorette alongside Massie.

Williams started baton during the summer of 2004. She belonged to the Diamond Corp, under the direction of Massie’s idol, Yolanda Stone, up until this recent marching season when she left the corps because conflicts with color-guard parades.

Williams missed twirling when she ended her corps and decided to do Color Guard.

“I’m really looking forward to twirl again,” Williams said. “It is my passion and I can?t wait for next year, it?s the best opportunity.”

In previous years Williams attempted to twirl for the Eagle marching band, but conflicts with directors and her friendship with Massie always seemed to inhibit her.

“Because of our friendship I never wanted to compete against Jessica for the position,” Williams said. “I have always been open to twirling with her as a duet though.”

Loomis also has a positive outlook on next year’s majorettes.

“Having Jessica and Lizzie both next year is going to be great,” Loomis said. “It will make an even better name for our school to have them both in front of the band.”

In preparation for next year’s season, Williams plans to restart private lessons with her old coach. During the summer, Massie and Williams also aim to take private as well as partner lessons.

For more information, e-mail Loomis.