Selma High School’s Winter Arts program continues to build momentum this season, recently earning strong placements at their latest competition.
On February 21, both the Winter Guard and Winter Percussion competed and placed second in their respective groups, further solidifying the competitive performance put on by the ensembles. The percussion ensemble earned a score of 79.3, and the guard received a score of 63.86.
The scoring reflects the continued growth of Selma’s Winter Arts program as the season moves forward.
Winter Arts is an indoor competitive activity performed during the winter season, combining music, choreography, and visual performance. Unlike traditional marching bands, performances take place inside gymnasiums. The program includes Winter Percussion, which features battery drums and front ensemble instruments, and Winter Guard, which combines dance, flag, and weapon work.
For many students involved in Winter Arts, the experience goes far beyond competition.
Senior Jose Vasquez, who performs on bass drum five, says the friendships formed through the program have been one of the most meaningful parts of his time spent in the ensemble.
“In this band program, I’ve created very close bonds with people, and it’s one of the greatest things I’ve gotten to experience,” Vasquez said. “I feel like through band I was able to meet people like that and do things with them. It made me grateful for the people I have in my life.”
Vasquez also shared that he is looking forward to the time spent with teammates throughout the rest of the season.
“Spending time with friends, the rehearsals don’t feel like rehearsals,” he said. “It’s more like goofing off. It’s a very different feel than the two years I’ve been in winter percussion. That’s what I’m looking forward to, just having fun and spending time with them.”
Senior Ezra Tapia shares a similar experience with Winter Arts, expressing how the program’s creative focus has profoundly impacted her personal growth during her time in the ensemble.
“If I’m being honest, being a part of winter arts has really shaped me into the person I am today,” Tapia said, “I’ve learned a lot of discipline and team building from the activity.”
Beyond her own personal development, Ezra cherishes the lifelong memories she’s shared with the group, noting that these moments have been fundamental to her time spent with the program.
“Out of all of the memories I’ve made throughout my 5 years of being a part of winter arts, my favorite memory was coming home from Dayton,” Ezra shared, “I think we sometimes forget how many people we have by our side during huge moments of our lives, so coming home and seeing how proud our families were, it reminded me that I wasn’t on this journey alone.”
The program is also preparing for an upcoming competition in Union City, where the percussion group will compete at a WGI regional event, where their concert percussion ensemble will also perform.
With strong performances and a close-knit team environment, Selma’s Winter Arts program continues to show both the talent of its performers and the strong sense of community built within the group.
