After days of practice that felt as if it would never end and early morning bus trips to contests, hard work has paid off for the Wildkat Band and Guard. On Tuesday, Oct 21, the band and guard traveled to their UIL competition at Woodforest bank stadium and left the field with a Sweepstakes of 1’s across the board.
This has led them to qualify for Area on Oct 27, at Woodforest Bank Stadium, a rescheduled date due to predicted inclement weather for Saturday.
This year the band and guard have put in the work like never before.
“Recently, during the fall break, we had so many great opportunities to clean up the drill,” senior Sherly Ensaldo said. “Although we were tired at the end of the week, it has improved all from my point of view. We had our music in May, and the drill was completed mid-September.”
Staying ahead, the band put the right foot forward for success. They all had the same goal in mind.
“The band has been practicing since the spring of last school year, around April or May,” junior Drue Walker said. “I think that we have a good chance to make Area. We’ve put in a lot of effort this year and overall the vibe is much better than last year, so I think we should be able to as long as everyone puts in some effort during the performance.”
Color guard is coming up the years. From ups and downs they’ve grown better with every run with the members practicing as a group but also at home.
“We have prepared for UIL with not only our practices, but also personal practice,” junior Valentina Romo said. “Color guard is heavy on memorization but also understanding of the choreography. Practicing on my own time has truly helped me feel comfortable with the show, and it makes it feel like second nature.”
The guard program has a new director who has helped them in the long run.
“I think we will make it to Area maybe even Area finals. We’ve worked so hard and if I’m being honest it’s thanks to Ms. V our color guard director, for always pushing us to be the best we can be,” senior Samia Molina said. “When I perform I get so many random thoughts. It’s all a blur. I usually think to myself don’t drop.”
While they perform they always remember the techniques taught to get them where they need to be.
“When I perform everything in my head just goes away and kinda forget everything like a blur,” senior Ana Ramirez said. “I always think on the articulation, choreo, the spacing in between people, when to put my horn up and which way to point it, and I look at the drum major the whole time.”
Drum majors keep the band on tempo while thinking about the band as they conduct.
“What goes through my head is a lot of excitement and honor,” senior Dulce Silverio said. “Especially since I am a drum major and I can watch the whole band shine together.”
With all the work and dedication, they all still have the same goal in mind.
“I have a strong feeling we have a big chance at making area this year,” junior Nick Orsorio said . “This year we came out strong and it really showed the potential we have and showed throughout the season.”
