Walking out of the Caruthers Fair Parade with smiles on their faces and multiple trophies in hand, the marching band’s spirits were raised by their success.
Awarded with four trophies overall, the band celebrated through the weekend. They gained a trophy for first in marching band, first in majorette, third for drum major and third for the color guard. Only Washington Union’s overall sweepstakes award eluded the 19-member band, Oct. 3.
The group had to arrive at school by 7:15 a.m. in order to be prepared to load up the bus to make the half-hour drive to the competition. The band marched in step by 10.
While they did not approach Washington Union’s score, they earned the second place award. Director Micheal Ogdon enjoyed just being able to participate.
“I loved the group pictures,” Ogdon said. “Also, hearing when they announced our name for first place (in marching band category, I was ecstatic.”
Last year the marching band placed first in their division as well, narrowly losing the Sweepstakes award by only six points. The sweepstakes award recognizes the band with the best overall performance in every category.
Although band members say they did well in their performance, they also claim they still have a lot to work on before their next parade, including spacing, step size and musicality. Ogdon has specific objectives laid out, based on his own goals and judges’ comments.
“The judges want us to work on the music especially,” Ogdon said. “I think it is definitely possible for us to get better. I expect for us to get better each time.”
Ogdon identifies the groups’ biggest problem as their size.
“Our group is really small,” Ogdon said. “We have great players, but not enough of them to get a ‘band’ sound. It is easier to get with full sections of each: brass, woodwinds, etc. But I am sure we can get the big band sound with some hard work.”
Although they did not win the sweepstakes award, the band students say they are still satisfied with their accomplishments. Matt Adams, ’13, says he felt rewarded by the awards the group received.
“I enjoyed the parade,” Adams said. “It is awesome to see how all our hard work and effort has paid off. By taking first in our division and second overall. It shows that through God, all things are possible.”
Drum major Alex Aleman, ’10, also took third in her competition.
“I’m very proud of everyone,” Aleman said. “I am happy that the band did so well because we got off to a shaky start at the beginning of the year. This was however, my last Caruthers parade, so I was sad because the band is like a family. They love and except you no matter what.”
Jessica Massie, ’11, walked away with a first place for majorette. The majorette since 2005-2006 also won first place in last year’s event.
“I was very happy with my routine,” Massie said. “My routine is much more complicated than it has been in years past. I think I executed it well. I am also so proud of the band; it was their first parade of the year and they did so well. I know we will get even better by the end of the year.”
Color guard member Ileana See, ’14, went through her first parade as co-captain and left with a third place trophy in hand. She practiced her salute throughout the free time to get it perfect in case she was called.
“I was so happy,” See said. “I really did not expect to place, because it was our first parade and we had a bunch of new people, but I was so happy when I heard our school called. I got to go up to the presenter and give my salute. It was an awesome experience.”
The next parade is the Reedley Fiesta & Rotary Parade, Oct. 10. For more information on previous or upcoming parades contact Ogdon via e-mail, or go to Reedley Fiesta & Rotary Parade.
