Insight on our Performing Rangers

By: Kailynn Rios

Redwood has a well known reputation for producing many outstanding performances conducted by their young rangers. With school starting back up Redwood’s performers are back in action, spectators are finally able to watch all the hard work these kids have put in through these tough times.

Tessa Hemphill, Theater ’22 says, “Knowing I’m able to perform in front of my peers is such an awesome feeling, especially after such a long break and just now starting to come back to live theater, because I love being in a cast and sharing that gift with anyone who will receive it.”

_{Makayla Bullock ’24 performing in her first homecoming}

Makayla Bullock, Dance Force ‘24, says “So far my best memory from being in dance force would be experiencing dancing on the field with my girls at my first ever high-school football game, and getting to see and dance for all my friends in the crowd.”

Makayla has only been dancing for 5 years and she is incredible to watch. Makayla’s natural talent and grace is sure to take her places.

Many of Redwoods gifted students started at a young age. Alayla Ayala, Cheer ‘22 says, “I’ve been in cheer at redwood all 4 years & before redwood I started in 5th grade.”

Jalen Bullock, Marching Band ‘23 says, “ I have been in band since 6th grade.”

Many student performers find passion for their art in elementary school. Who knew it would be the beginning of their incredible career?

With many years of experience to improve a performance there’s bound to be a few embarrassing moments. Jalen Bullock, Marching Band ‘23 says “Freshman year my tuba for the marching season was pretty messed up so quite often my bell would fall off during practice and once my mouthpiece fell out during a football game but I recovered pretty good if I do say so myself.”

Kylen Grey, Choir ’22 says “Productions can cause a lot of stress and anxiety”, so how does one cope with performing under such circumstances?

Makayla Bullock Dance Force ‘24 says “The one thing I make sure to do before I go out to perform is to pray and just to think good thoughts and have good vibes”.

_{Tessa Hemphill ’22 performing as Anna in Frozen Jr.}

Tessa Hemphill, Theater ’22 says “ Before I go onstage, I try to keep to myself a little more to calm myself down, and really get into the zone for my character. I try to get into costume hair and makeup early so I can be “in the shoes of” my character for a while before I go on, which is actually so helpful to me.”

Tessa is well known for her star roles at Redwood as Dorthy from the Wizard of Oz and Fiona in Shrek the musical. Her voice and bubbly character has truly left a mark on Redwood, the community is excited to see what she brings to our upcoming spring musical Footloose.

There’s so many opportunities for Redwood’s talented students, we asked if they plan to continue performing in college? Alayla Ayala, Cheer ‘22, says “Cheering in college would be super fun! definitely a different experience than redwood. I would cheer in college if I was more advanced in cheer. I know you have to be super good at dancing, tumbling, and cheering. I’m just not there yet.”

Makayla Bullock, Dance Force ‘24, “Absolutely, I could definitely see myself dancing in college. I also want to dance professionally and try to get into the industry. So yes I could definitely see myself doing this long term.”