By Cole Cahill
Assoc. Feature Editor
The SPHS Band and Color Guard are in the midst of rigorous preparation for their upcoming semifinals competition. The students will travel to Fresno for the Western Band Association Semifinals competition on November 22. The group strives to uphold their achievements next weekend and is training relentlessly to reach their goals to finish their already successful season.
“We are now working harder than ever before, polishing our movements and cleaning up every visual, every set, and every step in preparation,” senior drum major Nolan Pokpongkiat said.
Band and Color Guard placed fourth at their last competition, a tournament at Trabuco Hills High School. They jumped four points from their last event to a score of 80.15, a milestone for the group, which has not surpassed 80 points this early in the season in eight years. Band and Guard narrowly missed a higher ranking, as the difference between fourth and second place was just 0.6 points.
The routines have been updated based on judges’ critiques and now incorporate more visual elements. The group’s practice schedule has also been changed to take place every day and are separated by section. They will depart one day early to practice before they compete in Fresno.
The performance was showcased for the SPHS student body for the final time last Wednesday on the field. This upcoming semifinals competition marks the end of band and color guard’s lengthy season.
“I am really surprised at how fast my last season has gone by,” Pokpongkiat said. “But I believe that this year’s show is the best of my four years.”
This has been one of Band and Color Guard’s most successful seasons to date, which they accredit to their long practice hours and talented members. Adjustments have also been this year with the large influx of freshman joining the marching band. The young musicians have showcased their talents as major players in the ensemble.
“[The freshmen] were able to improve and I’m really proud of them,” sophomore trombone player Jared Low said.