The marching band is sometimes overlooked as one of the most reliable providers of school spirit as RHS. Whether at pep rallies or on the sidelines at football games, you can count on the marching band to bring positive energy to the crowd.
Ms. Beatriz Barion Fanzeres, the director of the marching band, sees a hardworking group of students whose job is not always recognized by the community. She said that the hardest part is learning how to manage their schedule to make sure they arrive on time for their competitions, school football games and other events like pep rallies.
“A lot of people, especially students, don’t necessarily know all of the rehearsal time that the band students put in,” Barion said. “But I know that the people who do know are very appreciative.”
Sophomore band member Jeffrey Yang feels he has a purpose when playing and cheering the audience, but that they could be more participative by clapping and singing.
“At pep rallies in particular, we get the quietest cheer,” Yang said. “It feels a little bit like a thankless job.”
Freshman Sipara Gebrearegawi really likes hearing the marching band and singing along with them during the football games, and she would like to participate if she learns how to play an instrument.
“They provide good vibes and mood in the games,” Gebrearegawi said. “I don’t think all the students understand how hard they work.”
