by Rob Kinch
In a season highlighted by, as band member Alisha Griffin describes, “surprise after surprise,” the high school’s Marching Band garnered three 1st Place awards, along with a series of additional awards for their competitive performances. Led by Band Director Miguel Bolivar, whom band members affectionately refer to as ‘Dad’, the high school also achieved 4th Place in October’s States Competition (including Best Visual) and an impressive 5th Place in November’s Nationals Competition (2nd in Visual and 2nd in Percussion). Bolivar praises his students’ achievements and talents by adding, “Never before has our high school placed that high in a Nationals Competition!”
When asked to what the band attributes its many successes, along with hours of practice, the word ‘family’ is repeated without exception. Band members Brandon Krutzler and William Photo by Joseph Mudrak Sanders offer, respectively, “We could never do something so amazing unless we were a like a family” and “It makes me proud to be part of this family.” Student Lily Viteka praises director Bolivar for being “one of the most supportive teachers I know.” A very personal sentiment is shared by Senior Osaze Morris,”My four years in the Marching Band have been very fulfilling but to accomplish all this lets me end on a high note.”
Photo by Joseph Mudrak
