Ranger Band Sees New Success with the new “Normal”

By: Alana Soukkhasem

How do Redwood’s band members feel about competing against other high schools?

Redwood’s Ranger band is moved to make a mark in the field this competitive season at Washington Union in Fresno.

However, due to the COVID shutdown, the Freshmen and Sophomores students haven’t experienced anything like this before.

Band Director, Mr. Ray, has prepared students well despite difficult changes they’ve faced, he says, “We have had many delays either due to COVID or Air Quality this year. This has put us slightly behind where we normally are at this time for our first competition. Also, the ability to have full ensemble rehearsals has been affected due to COVID absences. That being said, our Redwood students are resilient and have made the best with our current situation. ”

Students have also missed durations of band rehearsals and it’s been the biggest challenge for Mr. Ray.

Students have either been out on quarantine or waiting for COVID test results, and Ranger Band is hopeful this will be solved soon with new guidance in October.

Considering the band has had a rough year due to COVID, students are now beyond ready to compete.

Freshman band member Adrian Martinez ’25 shares, “Our practice that we hold every Monday and Thursdays have prepared us for every possible outcome that can happen in competitions. It keeps us in check to date on things we need to do.”

Drum major Reghan Cutler ’22 is extremely encouraged to be competing for band once again alongside others.

Cutler says, “Band is a group effort, so supporting your peers is a huge factor in being successful. One person can’t be amazing, the entire band has to pull their weight in order to make the show great.”

To add, Cutler is also hoping to have a “safe and fun season.” She is grateful for the opportunities her team has to perform this year and is proud of all the hard work of her peers.

Junior Raul Arredondo 23’ says “I’ve been in a marching band for about 3 years now. A lot of pressure is placed on us due to the fact most of the new kids in our program have never seen this setting of marching band. Although, I think the band will do phenomenal at our competitions.”

Arredondo adds, “We are ready.”