What does it take to Put on a Marching Season?

By Alana Soukkhasem

With the marching season coming to an end, Redwood band students have faced many challenges this year. In a year filled with doubt. The Redwood Marching Band and Colorguard was able to see success.

Mr. Ray prepares the band for the National Anthem.

Redwood band director teacher Jordan Ray says, “It takes tons of time, fundraising, student/parent support, instructor sessions, and coordination from many different people on campus. Most shows are planned a full year in advance and we begin enlisting music writers and show designers in January. After all of that, it takes talented kids to practice, learn the show and present it week-after-week.”

Mr. Ray adds, “We began with some pretty large uncertainties on whether we would even be allowed to have a season. That impact was one that we have never dealt with before, however, I am very proud of our students at Redwood for their persistence and dedication even after all of that.”

Preparing Band seasons and their performances have always been a big deal. Along with the addition of new staff, Redwoods Ranger band students members have made the best of their former situations through COVID.

As well since COVID had a major impact on the Marching band season it has affected their most performances due to the Air Quality and absences. Though, Redwood’s Band team has done its best together by overcoming all their challenges.

While the year was difficult for the students, it was just as difficult for Mr. Ray.

He adds, “In all honesty, I would like to move away from this year and get back to planning large shows and fully integrated performances. This year has not been our usual all-out show and I look forward to getting to a place here where we can do those again.”

Throughout the seasons and how Mr. Ray feels how it went is very cherished due to the fact it’s now optimized since the COVID shutdown ended. Ray says, “I am so happy we had a chance to perform. This year started with many questions and I can’t begin to express how happy I am to have live performances back at Redwood High School. Our students are performing at a high level and I enjoy every time they go out and perform a show.”

With this Marching band season coming to an end, Mr. Ray is looking forward to spending time with his family. Ray says, “However, the last performance will be the last time we do this show, and that’s always a time of mixed emotions-both for me and students.”

He goes on to say, “It’s always bittersweet.”