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‘Simply the Best’ – the Arcadia Marching Band
Arcadia Weekly Aug 13, 2015
- Photo by Ronald Lee
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– Photo by Ronald Lee
By Jonathan Tsou
Arcadia High School possesses one of the California’s top high school marching bands. The Apache Marching Band has won more than 30 major championships and has marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade fourteen times. The band also marched in the 2005 Presidential Inauguration. Just last spring, the Band was selected to appear in a NFL commercial during the Super Bowl.
Last season the Arcadia Marching Band and Field received a gold medal at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Championships (SCSBOA). SCSBOA is a non-profit organization that enriches the cultural environment by helping students explore a future in music, judging standards, and improving musical teaching techniques.
– Photo by Ronald Lee
However, awards do not come easily. Director Kevin Sherrill and assistant Seth Murphy guide the band daily to ensure they are in top form for each event. The band students also receive weekly sectionals, in which each instrumental section work on problems within their own section. During marching season, the band’s schedule includes weekly rehearsals on the field, daily rehearsals before school, and Saturday rehearsals. Every Wednesday during marching season, the band practice from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Often, Arcadia residents can observe the band as members march on Campus Drive in order to prepare for the events.
From Aug. 10 to Aug. 14, Arcadia’s Music Club hosts a Music Camp in the Idyllwild Mountains. At this camp, each individual is able to achieve their highest potential. Students work with a multitude of top music instructors. Each student not only gains leadership skills but also acquires long lasting friends. Even though the camp focuses on music, it also allows students to enjoy living in the San Jacinto Mountains. During breaks students can swim in the pools, play in the basketball courts, or look down the mountain over Palm Springs. Most students agree that Music Camp is one of their favorite things about being in the marching band.
– Photo by Ronald Lee
To match Arcadia High School’s renowned Marching Band, the Arcadia High School’s Color Guard forms a visual representation of the Band’s music. Color Guard has been a Scholastic World Finalist for over a decade. They won a gold medal at the Winter Guard Association of Southern California Champions and a bronze medal at the Winter Guard International. The Apache Color Guard will also attend the Music Camp in the Idyllwild Mountains.
This coming year the band and color guard will perform at multiple events including the Festival of Bands, the Holiday Concert, and the Pearl Harbor Memorial parade in Honolulu, Hawaii. For more information on the Apache Marching Band or future events, visit the Arcadia Music Club Webpage.
– Photo by Ronald Lee
