Arts & Entertainment
Anatomy of a Farewell Weekend
The Panther Band ends marching year on the highest possible note- undefeated.
The final weekend of the marching season was packed full of tradition and emotion, and it left many wishing for the rewind button.
It started on Friday, May 13 in the upper parking lot of Benicia High School, during the last practice of the marching season. Spectators were greeted by a band wearing a smorgasbord of costumes; the more garish, the better. About an hour into practice, the traditional moment of “Senior Pass” took place.
All seventeen seniors dropped out of formation, shook hands with each remaining band member and then ran to the steps. This was their last time practicing with the marching band, which for many ended a seven year run (including the middle school years). Then, with noticeable gaps and missing instruments, the remaining band marched past the cheering seniors, who, for the first time, got to see their band march in a live situation. The seniors were jubilant, then became somewhat somber as they saw their band without them.
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The closeness and emotion of Friday seemed to give the band a surreal edge as they competed on Saturday at the Vallejo band review. There, all Panther groups competed (Jazz, Drumline, Color Guard, Marching, Symphonic and Wind Ensemble). It was a fourteen hour day full of performances and tradition. Seniors were pinned with corsages by special people in their lives; photos were rampant with family and friends; a toast of sparkling cider was made for the seniors and there were many emotional moments as each hour closed yet another chapter.
The marching performance has been seen often, but many would agree there was something different Saturday. The intangible ‘It’ factor was there. Patrick Martin, Band Director told them afterwards, “You know that feeling you get when you have a really good pass [a good march]? Well, I had that feeling today. I’m speechless. I can’t say anything…it was THAT good. Wow.”
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The Panther band ended the day with a first place finish for Symphonic band, Sweepstakes for Jazz, Marching, Wind Ensemble, Drumline and Color Guard, and the prized Grand Sweepstakes award for best overall band. Greg Sunga, Drum Major ended his career with a first place finish and the highest score he’s ever received. The marching band ended the entire school year undefeated. Since the band members took on more performance responsibility this season, the victory was all the sweeter.
At days’ end, there was the final debriefing in the band room. What could have been an incidental evening with a couple of farewell speeches, became an even more intense emotional time with the parents, the students and the instructors. Each senior spoke to the band, to Mr. Martin and Mrs. Carlson (Color Guard instructor). Their ‘off the cuff’ speeches were heart-felt, eloquent and funny. They used phrases like ‘the band program kept them from being lost’; ‘it gave them friendships they’ll keep forever’; ‘their success came from being around people who worked hard and cared for them’; ‘the program made them who they were today’; ‘they were shy and then became leaders’; ‘it made them always want to do better’; ‘it changed their lives.’
One parent aptly noted that in this program, it doesn’t matter what section, talent level or role one plays in the band, because everyone belongs and takes care of each other. The band feels inclusive to all. This is why alumni students are constantly a presence throughout the year. They still feel a part of it and seem to miss the camaraderie.
The Panthers perform an indoor ‘Just For Fun’ concert on Tuesday, May 17th in the evening at the high school. Although the march will be played at graduation, it will officially be retired on Tuesday night. It is sure to be another poignant evening for the Panther band.