By Kayla Martinez
Entertainment Editor
Brian O’Neil photo
James Logan’s Marching Band is up and running, ready to start another year off right. Band director Adam Wilke seems to be completely confident in his students, sure that this year’s success will prove to be just as substantial as band’s previous years. “If you haven’t seen the Logan band you’re really missing out. It’s a sight to see,” he proudly claimed.
Known nationwide for its beautiful, complex performances during every half-time show, JLHS Marching Band is convinced that fans will not be let down. When asked why Courier readers should be interested in the band, sophomore Joelle Wong said, “We go to competitions and try to win, and we have fun. We fight for something.” Surely that something is the national success and recognition Marching Band has upheld for decades.
Sixteen year old Cesar Patino, this year’s tuba section leader, agreed, “Readers should be interested because we travel and have a rich legacy.” Patino also said, “We don’t just practice, we try to perform everything we do.” He expects only the best from his musicians this year.
The band has been diligently practicing day by day since August, in preparation for their season. “This year the band is looking pretty strong on top of some of the training exercises we’ve been doing,” the section leader assured readers.
However, members of the band admitted that there are always challenges to overcome and responsibilities to uphold. “I have to be a strong role model for my section,” Patino said. “They look up to me for guidance, and I have to try to push them and motivate them.”
Even Wilke said that there are new challenges for the Marching Band to muscle up for, and he let readers know, “We’re going to the BOA show this year. That’s a national circuit, and that’s something we’ve never done.”
Others involved in the band don’t attend James Logan. Juan Briseno, a Marching Band alumnus, graduated just last year. His advice to the younger side of the band was, “Do what the upperclassmen tell you. They know what they’re doing and what’s best. They’re looking out for you. “ He, along with other alumni, will be attending many performances throughout the season.
