The beginning of the Spring semester marks the start of the Winter Arts competition season, and Selma High’s colorguard and winter percussion have been working relentlessly to build and perfect their routines for the stage.
For colorguard, the process of putting on a show includes months of planning from a behind-the-scenes standpoint.
“Everything is custom curated to our students from the style of music we choose to the color of flags they spin,” stated Coach Ivana Matias Perez. Student-athletes go through audition processes, hundreds of hours of rehearsals, and give a large time commitment to perfect their routines.
“Everyone has to work together, and with support from our principal, our show is put together through countless hours of hard work, commitment, and communication. At the end of the day, we are trying to present a story and share art with the rest of the world,” Coach Ivana continued.
In winter percussion, putting on a show is a very time-consuming and lengthy process. The staff meticulously chooses a song that specifically resonates with them, while still ensuring performers will find it enjoyable. They must design a floor that students use to rehearse and perform on. There are specific designs chosen to give the audience a basic understanding of the show’s theme.
“Some shows use props as little as a piece of fabric, to big backdrops that cover the entire back-end of the floor. Even when designing uniforms, you need to think of color palettes, any image you may want on the uniform, whether it’s a two-piece set or a bodysuit with a skirt, and most importantly, hair and makeup must correlate well with the uniform,” Coach Sydney Sheehan noted. Everything must be planned and constructed carefully and thoroughly.
Junior Katelyn Rosario Arriaga is a colorguard performer who has been performing in the sport for the last five years. Katelyn has so far completed four field seasons and four winter seasons. She was inspired to join colorguard by her friend, Allison, as well as her sister.
“I saw first-hand the passion and beauty of being a colorguard performer,” Katelyn stated. She wishes to enjoy her season and soak up every moment while she’s still performing, knowing her clock is ticking before senior year and ultimately graduation. She hopes for those who wish to audition for colorguard to “not be afraid. You will make the best friendships and connections with the people on this team.” She continued explaining the effort required to be in colorguard.
“Colorguard takes hard work and is very time-consuming, but it is very worth it in the long run,” Katelyn concluded.
Giada Flores is a Senior and plays the marimba in Selma High’s winter percussion program. She began her freshman year, starting in colorguard and later switching to playing. Giada was inspired by her friends to join winter percussion. Her goals are similar to Katelyn’s.
“For this season, my goal is to have fun. It’s my last one, and I want this season to be the best one yet. I also want to push my section to the best of their abilities so we can all have fun together in the end,” Giada mentioned. She wants readers to know, “this sport requires lots of dedication. You have to be willing to work hard if you want to be the best that you can, but there are also so many fun and great memories you make on the way.” She continues to give a final remark.
“I have zero regrets joining band. Being in winter percussion is such a life-changing experience,” Giada concluded.
