Riverwood Students Win Awards at White Columns Marching Band Competition

From Riverwood International Charter School:

Congratulations to the Riverwood International Charter School (RICS) Marching Raiders as they competed at the 12th annual White Columns Invitational at Milton High School Saturday, November 5, 2016. The band won overall 2nd in their class and the Drum Majors and Percussion were awarded 1st in their class. Five band judges evaluated the performance in music, visual, and general effect for an overall score of 100 possible points. In addition, Percussion, Color Guard, and Drum Majors were scored for ratings, class, and division placements.

The competition day began with mandatory noon arrival at RICS to prepare and rehearse before packing up the instruments, flags, and equipment into the trailer. The musicians changed into their uniforms and traveled to Milton for their afternoon performance. After a long day and night, the group traveled together by school bus back to the school, trophies in hand, well after 10:00 pm.

The Color Guard is led by Co-Captains Phillia Prior and Marisabel Montoya. These young ladies work very hard to help choreograph the Color Guard routines and serve as great motivators and positive influences to the Color Guard team.

The Marching Raiders are led by Drum Major Yoel Alperin and Assistant Drum Major, Sophie Galiano. Alperin shared, “Marching competitions are always my favorite part of the season. When you are playing for this kind of crowd, I think it motivates you to put that extra push into the music. I always tell the band before we take the field to play from their heart, to reach out with their sound and movements and touch the audience's heart and make them emote as well. When we all do that, there is this amazing bond that is created between the performing ensemble and the audience.”

Carlos Rodriguez, Director of Bands, and Laura Taylor, Color Guard Instructor, work with the students at daily practices during marching band season. Under their leadership, the Marching Band and Color Guard has experienced spectacular growth. More than 50 musicians and performers are involved with the Marching Raiders, up from six a few short years ago. Alperin describes his experience as a Drum Major, “Being a drum major has been the most rewarding experience I've had in high school. I have loved watching the band grow, especially because we started with six kids my freshman year. I love standing on the podium and watching the show come together practice after practice. You put on your uniform and you know you have to be the image that represents your school.”

Adding to the praise, Taylor says, “I have been blown away with how this program has grown over the past three years. It has not only grown in size, but also in events the band participates in, as well as dedication by these students. Every year, the students are becoming more passionate about creating a fun and supportive environment for everyone involved, which is why more students continue to join from year to year,”

Look for the Marching Raiders as they expect to continue to grow their band and Color Guard program as they debut a new show for the 2017 Football Season.

Rodriguez summarized with, “The marching band had a successful end of their season at the White Columns Marching Competition. Out of the 15 marching bands that competed, Riverwood finished 2nd in their class while also winning 1st in Drum Major and Percussion. I am very proud of the dedication of these students and look forward to the next season.”

Photo 1: Pictured left to right - Phillia Prior - Color Guard Co-Captain, Elise Flanagan - Brass Captain, Aidan Jones - Drumline Captain, Sophie Galiano - Assistant Drum Major, Arthur Miltner - Band Captain, Yoel Alperin - Drum Major, Hal Olson - Drumline Captain, Haley Gruensfelder - Woodwind Captain, Marisabel Montoya - Color Guard Co-Captain, Carlos Rodriguez, Director of Bands. Not pictured, Laura Taylor, Color Guard Instructor

Photo 2: Assistant Drum Major Sophie Galiano with RICS Marching Band and Colorguard at the White Columns Marching Band Competition, November 5th, 2016.

Images via Riverwood International Charter School