On Friday, November 1st, the annual Cowhide game was played in the Mineral King Bowl, not only was it a big night for the Football team and student section, it was also a big night for the Redwood Marching Band as the seniors of the band performed their final halftime performance at a football game.
By: Aiden Lupian
Performing their last cowhide was a special time for these seniors, the night was bittersweet and special for all the students.
Xander Caballero, ‘25, who plays the snare drum says, “It felt surreal that this was really the last redwood football game I would ever perform at considering all the memories I’ve made at them.”
Elias Hernandez, ‘25, plays the mellophone and he says, “Performing at Cowhide contained both feelings like excitement and sorrow since I knew it was going to be my final high school football game.”
Fellow mellophone player Adrian Martinez, ‘25, has similar thoughts saying, “I didn’t really get to appreciate my last cowhide as it felt like another cowhide thinking I would get next year to do it again.” He adds on saying, “It’s a very satisfying feeling to be able to perform one last time for a really big crowd.”
Photo L.Vargas-Guizar/Gigantea
Each year for Cowhide the Redwood band collaborates with Mt. Whitneys band put on a halftime show, it’s a good way for Whitney and Redwood to put the rivalry aside to entertain the crowd. This year’s tunes were ‘Funkytown’ by Lipps Inc. and ‘99 Red Balloons’ by Nena.
Brycen Gonzales, ‘25, who plays bass drum says, “I did enjoy these tunes because it sets the mood and it was fun to play.”
With this being their last performance the seniors have a lot to look back at and a lot to miss after they leave. From the performance itself, to the energy, to the game itself there’s lots to miss.
Hernandez says, “One of the things I’ll miss the most about football games is yelling “Band Ten Hut Ten Hut” before every halftime show.”
Caballero says, “I’ll definitely miss the crowd energy and the experience of being able to enjoy the night with friends. I love every aspect of the performance that we do at halftime. Lots of cool memories have been made.”
And Gonzales says, “I’m going to miss the vibe and the energy that Redwood gives.”
During Cowhide not only does the school have its traditions but the band does as well. Meaning there’s even more things to miss about Redwood for these seniors.
Martinez says, “Some band traditions I’ll miss is dressing up for cowhide. Each section of the band gets to choose how they want to dress for the game and it’s a great way to show off our school spirit.”
As the seniors depart they leave some parting advice for those students who are unsure about Redwood and its football games.
Caballero says, “If you’re ever second guessing whether or not to attend a football game through high school, you should do it. The energy is unmatched and I’m sure it’ll be a great time.”
Aiden Lupian
Aiden Lupian (´25) is a second year writer for the Gigantea who loves to tell a good arts story and really looks forward to all the stories he can write, and people to connect with
Tags: arts & entertainment, band, cowhide, rangers, Redwood, redwood band, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, rhs band, visalia ca
