Thinking back on this year and previous years, Band seniors reminisce on their most memorable moments
By: Justyne Sanchez
November 19th, 2023 was the last competition for sixteen seniors in the Redwood High School Marching Band. They have spent countless hours of practicing two days out of the week trying to achieve many goals and excellence for their season “Tangled Up In Blue.”
As these Rangers face their last competition for their final year 2023-2024, eight of the seniors reflect back on their memories and times being a part of the Redwood Marching Band.
Aeren Buckly, ‘24 is head drum major, plays marimba, and is in Wind Ensemble, and the GSA club.
As the head drum major, Buckly reminisces how he is feeling knowing November 19th is his last band competition. He says, “The situation of how our Saturday competition got canceled due to weather conditions was unfortunate and didn’t go as planned. But on Sunday we had a good run even though the circumstances, and was emotional.”
Christine Lastimoza, ‘24 is the assistant drum major,
in Wind Ensemble and Jazz band, and
plays flute in both groups.
Lastimoza describes how she is feeling knowing this is her last year competing she says, “It feels bittersweet because you know, I’m happy to have met the people I did and experience a lot of exciting and happy moments but also this is going to be the last time being able to experience something like this.”
Keoni Estévez Morales, ‘24 has been part of the band for four years, is the assistant drum captain, and plays snare Drum and tenor saxophone.
Morales describes how he is feeling knowing November 19th is his last competition competing for the Redwood Marching Band. He says, “I feel very accomplished for what this program and my peers have done to make the past few shows fantastic. I think that although I will miss it, it is a great stepping stone towards the right direction, not only for my musical career but also for the students that will come and perform in future years to come!”
James Pierce, ‘24 has been in band/percussion for three years and plays the drumset.
Pierce looks back on this year and says, “Knowing this is my last marching season in Redwood band, I know I’m going to miss it more than anything. Not only is being with my friends the highlight of my life but also making music, listening to other’s parts, and making adjustments to boost each other’s skills and blend and coming up with my own take on musical accompaniments.
Fernanda Carreon, ‘24 is the guard soloist, outside of the band she is involved in the AVID club & Interact Club.
Carreon describes the most memorable moment she has had in the band. She says, “A memorable thing that happened during all my seasons as a Color Guard member is upgrading equipment. You know that you’re improving and getting better at what you’re doing when you go from a Flag to a Rifle, to a Sabre. It gives you so much joy and excitement to know that your coach knows you have the potential to do more and do and be greater for the show. It really is just a great pat on the back moment.”
“I will also forever hold the dear memories of meeting and making new friends. We’re all kind of like a family, knowing each other all these 4 years and some connections run deep so it’s hard to officially let go and say goodbye” Carreon says.
Michael Brito, ‘24 has been part of the band for four years, first chair tuba, in the French Club.
Brito describes the most memorable moment he has experienced in the band he says “Me and another student decided we should order giant pizzas and see who could finish their pizza the fastest…no one even finished it, it was so big.”
Jacob Abbott, ‘24 has been in the band for four years, plays the trumpet, and is a section leader.
Abbott shares his most memorable moment in marching band he says, “The zoom field show my Freshman year was the most memorable moment in marching band. It was really crazy and different to have a field show online rather than in person during that time.”
Jaylinn Banks, ‘24 has been part of the color guard for three years and is in the Latinx and BSU clubs outside of band.
Banks says “It’s a bittersweet moment because I have been doing it since my Sophomore year. I made my most important friendships in guard and learned important life lessons. My most memorable moment would have to be rehearsing this year’s show.”
Justyne Sanchez
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