As dusk begins to settle, the stadium lights flicker to life, and illuminate the bustling crowd. Anticipation soon turns to concentration as the Pride of Portola takes the field. With their costumes glistening under the spotlight, the drum majors raise their hands, launching the band into a spirited march.
The students and directors met up at Portola High at noon, rehearsing for two hours before they set out to load their equipment and props into trucks to be transported to Capistrano Valley High, to compete in the Capistrano Valley High Competition in division 5A.
“We trained them by practicing the way we want to perform,” music director and visual designer Matthew Distante said. “Rehearsing a lot of getting them used to that performance environment that they’re going into. It’s very stressful when performing, so [we try] to get the students used to that stress so it doesn’t surprise them when they perform. It’s a very big commitment from all of the students and directors, but it’s a really unique opportunity and interesting process.”
Later that day, the band and color guard began their performance: “The Queen of Hearts.” In the traditional telling of the story, she is written as the antagonizer. Portola High’s production, however, gives a retelling of the queen’s story, revealing how she might not be as villainous as many first believed.
“I grew to love [competitions] a lot,” assistant drum major and junior Noa Stewart said. “It [is] much more than just a competition to see who’s the best band in your division, but it’s more of a community sense and being able to share these seven minute productions that we worked so hard for.”
After their performance, marching band stayed after their performance for the award ceremony, where they received a score of 82.550, placing them in second place in their division, and won “high percussion” with a score of 86.
“I love watching the students after they perform, getting to see the reactions after they’ve gone out and put in a lot of hard work [into] a great show,” Distante said. “One of my favorite parts about being there as a teacher is seeing all of the fruits of their labor come to life, because those students make a lot of time and sacrifices. Seeing all the work that they have [put in] pay off, is always very special.”
Marching band has taught students to manage their time effectively and cultivate perseverance. Students not only gain the prestigious experience of competing and representing pride in Portola High, but also develop a spirit of collaboration and social skills while moving towards musical goals together with a team.
“You make a lot of relationships and friendships in marching band,” saxophonist and freshman Isabella Machado said. “You have a lot in common with lots of people, we’re all here for one reason, marching band. And it’s just a really great experience.”
