December 3, 2004

‘Band is Family’

EVHS Marching Band concludes a great season

By Anila Khan
Times Intern

The brass, low reeds, the flutes, the clarinets, the saxophones, the percussion and the color guard—they all work together to create a marching band.

The young EVHS band is comprised primarily of freshmen and sophomores, but that hasn’t stopped them from entering and placing in competitions.

Evergreen Valley High School’s (EVHS) medium-sized marching band may not be as established as those from older high schools in the area, but that hasn’t hindered this marching band from chalking up a list of accomplishments in its short history.

In their first competition this year at Independence High School, the EVHS marching band received first place overall in the B Division and third place in brass and percussion. They later took third place in the 4A division, and at the Logan Field Show Competition on Saturday, Nov. 16, the band performed their full competitive field show the best that they had done all season, winning second place in division 4A.

“We over-exceeded our expectations and did much better than anticipated,” commented Band Director Jason Marshall. “We improved to a point so much better than last year and went way beyond. Our biggest obstacle would be that we are a young band; most of us are only freshman and sophomores, but as our players grow, so will our band.”

A season in review
Most of the marching band students have been playing their instruments since middle school, some since elementary school. One of the hardest adjustments for some students was changing instruments for marching band after playing another instrument for a long time.

Junior Jon Kuntz switched to the tuba about eight months ago after playing the flute for seven years. Sophomore Tracy Nguyen traded in her flute for a saxophone about a year ago.

“To keep up, I had to practice harder than everyone else, every day, but in the end it was worth it,” said Nguyen.
Despite difficulties, most students relished the opportunity of performing with a successful marching band and worked hard to improve each time they marched.

“It was a great experience and an opportunity to meet new people and make friends—even with your teachers,” said sophomore Kyle Aganad.

Junior drum major Elizabeth Wan recalled the scariest thing about a performance for her was “when you know something you fixed during practice messes up during a performance.”

Some completely new to band joined color guard this year and enjoyed it thoroughly. “It feels so awesome to perform—we were so excited the first time we won. I hope I can do it again next year; it’s like a second family. You really get close to people,” said freshman Talia Gragert.

Saying good-bye to seniors
The younger band members realize that next year some of their core group will no longer be playing side-by-side with them. They would like to recognize seniors Gilbert Afalla, Martin Caliboso, Thomas Eng, Luis Gonzales, Rachel Perkins and Daniel Quach—for being a part of their “family.” They will truly be missed next year.

“They taught us so much, but now they have to leave us as we will pass on their teachings and will always remember them,” said sophomore Cindy Cheung.

However, completing high school doesn’t necessarily mark the end of band for most of them. Many will be pursuing their interest in music in the future.

Daniel Quach plans on continuing to play his piccolo in college. He wants to come back to EVHS and teach the marching band in a few years. Rachel Perkins also looks forward to “making more memories.” She will be in marching band when she goes to college.

ESD challenges could impact EVHS
As of fall 2006, there will no longer be music in the Evergreen Elementary School District at the elementary or middle school levels unless the current budget crisis turns around or alternate funding sources emerge.

This could create a problem for high school bands, because as freshman Charlette Mendoza points out, “Students learn the basics in elementary [or middle] school; there’s no time to teach it all again in high school.”

“Hopefully, by then, they [Evergreen Elementary School District] will have solved their financial difficulties and again realize that music is an important part of the curriculum,” commented Marshall.

Although the EVHS marching band’s season officially ended on Nov. 17 with an awards banquet to recognize its outstanding members, you can still catch its final performance. Watch for the teal and black uniforms in the San Jose Christmas Parade starting at 9 a.m. on Market Street in downtown San Jose on Sunday, Dec. 5.