Band members marched up to fifth place during the Mayfair Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Tournament on Friday, November 4, 2016.

During the last week of summer, members were put into a “band camp,” in which they practiced their routine from 8 AM – 12 PM, and sometimes, even until 3 PM. Once school started, they were practicing every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from afterschool until 6 PM.

“Practicing allowed us to be comfortable, calm and collected. If we didn’t practice those long hours, both during school and weekends, we wouldnt’t be able to preform as confidently as we did,” said drum major Carolyne Gonzalez Initially, the band members have been preparing before school even started for the competition in December 3rd, which is in East LA college football stadium.

Unexpectedly, Ms. Lopez, band teacher, announced that the they would be participating in the SCSBOA tournament for extra preparation. Upon the competition arrival, members picked up their instruments and went to their designated area where they began their breathing exercises for ten minutes and continued with their warm ups for another ten minutes. Afterwards, they practiced their field show individually while marching in place.

Before performing, drum major Justin Florentino said “I felt a bit nervous but it also felt like any other practice.”

Rancho was then called on the field and given another five minutes to be in position with all the instruments.

When there was only one minute remaining, members stayed in place until the judges said, “begin.” Ms. Lopez counted off and the band performed “Rock That”, “September” and “Fantasy” relating to their field show title “Earth, Wind and Fire.”

The members then marched off and waited for the announcements of the winners. Our group was the only group who didn’t have a finished show, and with a time penalty; for not having a full show, we still managed to receive fifth place” said Ms. Lopez, band teacher.

For their first competition, they celebrated by taking this experience as a way to polish their skills and work on their mistakes as they plan to place higher for their next competition.

The following day, the band participated in the Long Beach Veterans Parade to even further their growth in the competition field.

The Rancho Dominguez Marching Lobos proved to themselves and everyone else that they deserve to be on the field at championships. Once the band and colorguard clean up their music and drill, they will definitely be major competition for the other groups on December 3rd. We anticipate bringing another trophy home, and hope some of you will be there to witness the band and colorguard making Rancho history!