With the new year brings a new show, new students, and returning musicians. High School band brings new experiences for everyone, both freshmen and seniors. Redwood High School seniors and freshmen were asked about their thoughts on returning or being new to band.
By Isabella Chan
Bass clarinet section leader Jacob Hermansen, ‘24 says it feels great to be in his 4th year of band and is looking forward to this year. Band is a big commitment taking time after school hours, but it doesn’t go without its fun trips. Hermansen says the best parts about band are, “The trips that we take on. Last year we went to Great America up north. Just going on those trips are the best experience I’ve ever had.”
Snare drum section leader Chris DeBrie ‘24 finds this year something to look forward to. After being in band for all of high school he has a positive outlook. “It feels really good, I feel like I’ve worked really hard to get to this point. All the preparation time has been kind of just leading up to this year” he says.
“Since it’s the last one, I kind of just want to fulfill everything until this point and make the year strong,” says DeBrie.
Both Debrie and Hermansen continued band through the influence of their families.
Vibraphone player Paula Caffarel, ‘27 came from the K-8 elementary school Oak Grove. “I thought it wasn’t going to last because I usually pick up something and then get bored like 20 minutes later.”
“I expected just to always be lost with no help but everyone’s been so nice!” she says. Band is not only a community of passionate players, but a family of sorts. There’s support all around in each section, and help is something that neither freshman nor seniors are scared to ask for.
Band is a big dedication to partake in, so when asked if this is something worth continuing Caffarel says, “Yes, if my time allows me.”
Clarinet player Frances Perez ‘27 found that band for high school was different compared to her time in band at Green Acres Middle School. “We were working on a field and not just street marching.”
When asked what DeBrie would say to freshman or anyone new to band, he responds, “Be willing to work… You have to work all the time as hard as you can because that’s the only way you’re going to make it.”
“Keep working hard, the more the work the better they’re going to get,” Hermansen says.
Isabella Chan
Isabella (Ella) Chan ('26) is a first year arts and entertainment journalist for the Redwood Gigantea. You can reach out to her by emailing at isabe.ch5254@vusd.us
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