Ad
Featured
Danny's Picks: Marching band
The Cleveland High School marching band pumps up the crowd during a tailgate.
Being a part of the marching band is no walk in the park. Not only is there a physical aspect, members are also playing an instrument. They are on the move while playing an instrument, and most of the time, every move is rehearsed. These students dedicate so much to their craft, including large chunks of their schedule to attend athletic events, pep rallies, parades and marching band competitions. Did I mention that they also work extensively for their halftime show routines? Marching band is a sport, and it is time to shout out some of their wonderful members. With the help of some band instructors and directors, here are some marching band members to keep an eye on this season.
Cleveland High School Trumpet player Luna Valdez (freshman): This is Valdez’s first year in the regiment, and she is already impressing with her savviness and leadership. When playing the trumpet, Valdez has great finger technique, intonation and articulation. She is a talented musician who brings positive vibes — and a “cool cucumber” demeanor — to the group. According to her instructors, she is a calming force for the ensemble and shows “exceptional leadership skills as a rookie!”
Percussionist Jonathan Izaiah-Fuentes (sophomore): To put it in the words of Kevin Hart, “You need a hype man!” Everyone needs a hype man, and I would say marching band needs a minimum of seven hype people. Luckily for Cleveland, one Izaiah-Fuentes equals the hype of seven people. As a percussionist, Izaiah-Fuentes has great rhythm, coordination and timing. This kid clearly has a passion for marching band, brings the juice anytime he puts on the silver and electric blue uniform, and it’s hard not to notice his crucial contributions. According to his instructors, Izaiah-Fuentes always practices like he’s performing and is one of the most enthusiastic members on the regiment.
Rio Rancho High School Marimba player Francisco Archuleta (sophomore): Archuleta is a marimbist in the front ensemble and someone who lives and breathes band. He is as “involved as it could possibly get” and someone who enjoys all rehearsal days and who lives for competition days. Archuleta is described as being a talented musician but also a great bandmate. He is known for always lending a hand, whether it be helping bandmates with their music or helping someone carry some heavy equipment. According to his instructors, Archuleta is a fantastic addition to the program and someone that can be counted on.
Trombone soloist Nicole Thompson (junior): Thompson spent a large majority of her summer training and practicing for the chance to be a soloist. Her hard work did not go unnoticed, and she ended up winning the spot as a trombone soloist. So far, Thompson has been doing a stellar job as a trombone soloist and constantly kills her solo. The music she has to play is extremely difficult, and she plays it flawlessly. According to her instructors, Thompson stepped up to the plate and absolutely knocked expectations out of the park.
Bernalillo High School Trumpet player Victoria “V” Fox (senior): This is the first year that Bernalillo has had a marching band regiment, and no student was more excited than Fox. According to her instructors, Fox has been in the school band for four years and has been eagerly waiting for the chance to suit up for marching band. Known throughout the program as a huge “K-pop” fan, Fox is, of course, a talented musician who shows strong marching and movement ability.
Tenor drummer Julian Sandoval (senior): Sandoval is a hard worker who has a “warriors’ spirit” when it comes to the demands of the tenor drum. He has rhythm, a nice beat and the strength to carry heavy equipment. According to instructors, Sandoval carried the weight and pain of marching with the tenor drums at the homecoming parade Oct. 2) and always strives to play his music perfectly. Sandoval has a clear dedication and passion for the Spartan marching band program.
