Palisades Marching Band waiting to go on the competition field.
Photo: LESLY HALL
BY CHAZ PLAGER
As the end of the first semester fast approaches, the Palisades Charter High School Marching Band is gearing up for the end of their season as well. This Friday, over 60 students of the program will board buses headed toward Sacramento High, where they will compete against 49 other schools from California and Nevada to see whose band program has the tunes to match their brass.
Pali’s program, titled “As It Seems”, is based on “Minuano” by Pat Metheny and “Don’t Talk” by the Beach Boys. The program includes brass and wind ensembles playing alongside the drumline and the color guard, whose choreography is made to match. The marching band was coached by Peter Ye, the drumline by Mike Schlatter, and the color guard by Allison Wang.
Pali must first compete against 11 other high schools in their own division. Should they top the table there, they will compete against the winners of the other divisions the following day to crown the true best West Coast high school band.
The percussionists play from the sideline during competitions, while the band moves on the field.
Photo: LESLY HALL
“We’ve been making a lot of improvements over this season,” said Pali Band director Peter Ye. “I have faith in our students and our coaches, and believe we made our program the best it could be.”
The band leaves Friday, November 16th at noon on multiple buses for an eight-hour ride straight to Sacramento, where they will be staying at a hotel. For seniors, this will be their final competition as members of the marching band.
Senior and baritone player Jean Rodriguez reflects upon the last four years with equal parts relief and melancholy. “It was hard at times, of course. But being around other people who enjoy music like I do has left me pretty fulfilled these high school years,” he said. “I think I’m gonna do great this last run.”
Performers give a good luck fist bump before marching on the field.
Photo: LESLY HALL
The color guard performs with flags and other objects to provide interpretive elements.
Photo: LESLY HALL