As the school year comes to end, it is about the time to wrap up the year with some final memories. The SPHS Band and Colorguard are making some of their final moments at Disneyland in Anaheim, California starting April 7 to April 9.
It is their annual club field trip and the first year they have been able to attend Disneyland after the COVID-19 Crisis began. This has been a highly anticipated trip for the members of band and colorguard as at the beginning of the school year it was unsure this trip would be happening. For many members of the band and colorguard, it will be their last year with the school band as they will be graduating at the end of the school year.
Not only are the band and colorguard members going to enjoy the experience and fun of being at the “Happiest Place on Earth”, they will be getting the chance to perform in the Captain America March during the Main Street Parade and get special opportunities like getting to work with Disney soundtrack technicians.
It took a lot of fundraising and the help of donations to be able to afford this opportunity and experience for the musical students of Sierra Pacific but it is definitely worth the memories they’ll be able to create.
“I have been organizing this trip since April of 2021. A whole year of planning, fundraising, and organizing.”, according to Jeffrey Detlefsen, the school band director.
There is lots of anticipation and excitement leading up to this field trip as the SPHS Band look forward to it every two years. However, there is always the intensity of having to perform and making sure everything is perfect for the parade.
“There is a lot of anticipation for the trip. Anticipation for the opportunity to perform, the soundtrack session, and the fun of it. But also a lot in hoping we don’t forget something, and making sure all boxes are checked”, says Detlefsen.
In preparation for their parade performance, they will be participating in the South Valley Winter Arts Association (SVWAA) Championships a week before their trip is set to take place. Their final performance will be next month during their spring showcase.
These final moments make the students think back to their favorite moments throughout this year, especially with the various competitions and activities they get to participate in throughout the season.
“My favorite moment from this year was our winter guard championships at West Hills”, said Hannah DeSoto, a senior involved in both color guard and band.
However, the tough part for these students is putting an end to their season, especially for the seniors.
Manha Hasan, a senior who plays flute at Sierra Pacific, reflecting on her final moments of her last year.
“It is very sad and upsetting to see everything come to an end,” Hasan said.
Although the emotions are high for the year coming to an end, the excitement and hope for next year is already on the rise for returning students.
According to Kimberly Augilar, ”I am really looking forward to the senior activities like senior sunrise and grad night”, as her junior year with colorguard is put to rest.
Though there may be lots of excitement for what’s to come, the Sierra Pacific Band and Colorguard are focused on perfecting their last few performances and making great memories with the time they have left together.