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Tales from ESHS Band Competition
by Katherine Wittig, Managing Editor
On Saturday, November 11, 2006, El Segundo High School was
represented in a field competition at Granada Hills Charter High by
its Eagle Marching Band. The first competition of the season for
this high school's band proved to be a success when the band
surpassed previous ratings, earned vital feedback from judges to
prepare for the next competition, and had the opportunity to view
the performances of some of the top high school bands in the area.
Overall this experience was an important step for the band which
helped provide further opportunities for the group as well as
individuals to succeed and grow.
The competition itself took place on Saturday,
November11 at Granada Hills Charter High School. While not an
official SCSBOA (Southern California School Band & Orchestra
Association) adjudication, this event helped participating bands
gain competitive and performing experience as well as practice
specific shows chosen for this fall. The HS Band put much time and
effort into preparing for this competition, and the results
definitely paid off. The band, which competed in the 4A division
(typically containing bands with 91 to 120 people), was able to earn
fourth place for overall performance, and the drum-line placed
third. Aside from the rankings between bands, ESHS Band's individual
score also reflected improvement from previous years. At the Granada
Hills Competition the band earned a score of seventy-three, while in
previous years scores have ranged from the low fifties to
mid-sixties. "We can definitely still get better, but this is a very
good step forward," Mr. Fox, the band director, encouraged the band
after the performance. "For next competition, and for next year,
we'll be able to prepare more and raise the level of this band even
more." Without a doubt, the band is proud of its improvement and
looks forward to more success and experience from its next
competition.
The band performed a show containing a medley of tunes
from The Nightmare before Christmas, which it has performed many
times for the El Segundo community at half-time shows during this
fall's football season. The drill (or marching and movements of the
show) was designed by the band's own director, Mr. Steve Fox. At the
competition in Granada Hills both the performance and the show
itself were very well received.
"One of the most important things to remember," Mr. Fox
told the band students while warming up for the competition, "is
that this competition will be a step for the band, so that we can
improve for next competition and for next year." The band definitely
had a chance to improve and learn from both the actual performing
experience and the opportunity to watch some of the talented high
school bands to whose level ESHS band aspires. Also, the comments
from judges gave band members a chance to recognize what level the
band is at, as well as receive feedback and suggestions to raise
that level. Senior Sean Crehan, the Drum Major, stated, "The
competition that the band attended [on November 11] was a great
experience for everyone involved. We got there at around three
o'clock. We then performed and [represented] El Segundo in front of
the large crowd."
This event included performances from many high school
bands in the area, as well as a special exhibition performance by
Granada Hills Highlander Band, a high-performing and very skilled
group. "We aimed to go so people would recognize our band at the
next competition we would go to," Crehan said with pride, "and I
believe we succeeded at that. We went in as an unknown band and left
with some respect." From the experience of performing, being
adjudicated, and watching other bands, the ESHS Band is prepared to
work even harder to push to a higher level for future performances.
For the remainder of this fall the band will be focusing on their
next field competition and then El Segundo's Holiday Parade. In the
spring they look forward to participating in a judge's invitational
festival in Anaheim, a result of last spring's gold rating at the
Forum Music Festival.
Don't forget to support your ESHS Eagles Marching Band
at their next performance! On Saturday, December 9th, come along to
support the band in a highly competitive SCSBOA competition in Santa
Barbara. Show your eagle pride and support your school's band!
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