The summer before my eighth grade year, I was asked to start training as a majorette and take over for alumna Jessica Massie, ’11, after she graduated. Initially, I was nervous, but then I realized what an honor it is to receive this position and then I became excited.
In order to help me with my twirling, Massie volunteered to become my coach, which I agreed to since I knew this was something I wanted to do.
Three years later, Massie has graduated and I’m at the start of my twirling career. I was very nervous for all of the events that will take place this year, but knew at the same time that I would have a lot of fun.
The Caruthers Fair was the first parade that I was judged as the majorette, Oct. 1. Last year I marched along side Massie at the Veterans Day Parade, but this was my first time being judged as a majorette alone.
In preparation for the parade, I worked with Massie. I spent my Tuesday nights at school for marching practice, and Thursdays in rehearsals with Massie at California State University, Fresno. I also worked on some of my tricks with Kayleigh Spencer, who is also a twirler at Fresno State.
As the parade neared, I realized that I needed to practice outside of school at night and on the weekends. As I kept practicing, I grew more nervous and anticipated the thought that I might actually do well and win something, even though it was my first parade where I would be judged.
The days were getting closer and closer until it was Friday night — the day before the parade. I was doubting myself and ended up going to Clovis East High School to practice on the tennis courts and get those last few tricks down. As it was getting later into the night, I realized that I needed to change some things within the routine, but I left feeling confident and was ready for the parade.
The next morning I woke up at 6:45 a.m, to start preparing my hair and makeup, which was continued until 8 a.m. The band and I then departed for the parade in Caruthers.
When we got there everyone was starting to get very nervous, including me. My mentor, alumna Alexandra Aleman, ’10, reminded me to just stay calm and do the routine like I did in practice, and everything else would fall into place.
The competition zone was coming up, and I internally broke down. I was so scared, but then I remembered what Aleman told me and tried my best to calm down. My routine didn’t go exactly as planned, but I got through it.
After the parade I broke down crying, feeling like I did a horrible job. I knew for sure I was not going to win a single thing, but I still stayed for awards.
After the announcer declared who won the awards for the floats and elementary bands, he finally started high school awards. The first trophy he handed out was for majorettes, and even though I was very sure I was not going to win, I instantly became nervous.
As he said who won first place, I froze up and could not believe that he just said “Fresno Christian.” I was shocked, and was reminded that I needed to move so I could go accept my award. I had just won first place for high school solo majorette and I was the only majorette to win an award.
I was extremely happy that all of my hard work payed off, even though I didn’t think it would. When I got home I decided to catch up on my sleep, and nap the rest of the day.
Just because I won at the Caruthers Fair doesn’t mean I’m going to slack off in the next one because I know that only hard work pays off, not laziness.
The next parade is at The Big Fresno Fair, Oct. 12.
For more information about the music department, read the Oct. 6 article, Music department encourages community involvement.
