Performance in Fairfield Leaves Members in Tears
Navya Kaur & Megumi Kamikawa
Staff Writers
American High School’s Marching Band attended Fairfield High School’s annual event to perform their last show of the season on November 16, 2013.
Members of the marching band spent nearly 20 hours of their day travelling, rehearsing, and performing at the Fairfield event. Although it was an all day event, the performers agreed that despite the hard work and effort band required, it was still worth the long hours.
“[Band] isn’t something you ever want to quit,” junior Michael “T-Rex” Juri said. “It’s really fun, but you have to be really dedicated. This event was worth all the time and effort.”
Drum major Michelle Tam, a senior new to her position, was chosen to conduct the music and keep the band in step throughout the performance.
“I was really nervous because it was my first year as drum major and it was my last show,” Tam said. “But now it just feels like a blurry memory.”
As the last major event of the marching band season, the pressure to do well drilled the minds of many members. But despite any nervous thoughts, the show was performed without any mistakes.
“I was really nervous [before the show],” freshman Joyce Chen said. “It was the seniors’ last night and I didn’t want to ruin it for them.”
After their field show, marching band came together to make some final speeches for the seniors who would be leaving the squad.
“It was emotional,” senior Lance Fernando said. “But I’m happy with how it ended and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
![Nov. 16, 2013 — The American High School Marching Band performs one last time for the audience. Consisting of color guards and other instrument players, the marching band won third place for its field show at Fairfield High School. “I love how in [events like these], in one concentrated area, there is just this love for band,” drum major Michelle Tam (12) said. //PC: Navya Kaur](https://eagleera.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/qqivvxwov2guzlwr4zztakojvoy3nwiulo4alspp3-kos-geotrycu31iqtps22haqs2000.jpg)
To honor the seniors’ participation in marching band, a special tent was set up for the soon-to-be graduates only. Inside, other band members had hung up small notes and letters to commend those that would be leaving.
“I cried for ten straight minutes,” sophomore Omar Gomez said. “I’m depressed that this was our last show, but I’m excited for next year and for band to continue.”
The bittersweet finale of the marching band season ended with success. American High School won second place in symphonic band, third place in the field show, and third place in the parade. Michelle Tam was also awarded fourth place as a field conductor.
“I have devoted so much of my life to band. It is a significant portion of my identity,” Tam said. “Even though being the drum major makes me feel inexperienced, it is still a comfort to know that I belong there.”
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