With football season right around the corner, everyone is excited for the energy-filled Friday nights, which wouldn’t be possible without the marching band. 

“I love going to football games and being able to hang out and have fun,” senior and drum major Navya Sreeraj said. 

Aside from football games and other school events, the marching band also participates in competitions. This year, they will participate in six competitions. Head coach Zachary Borquez has high expectations for this season’s competitions.

“In the past, we have qualified for championship rounds, but we unfortunately didn’t last year. That’s our goal for this year,” Borquez said. “We’ve already put in close to 100 hours of practice, between summer Band Camp and after school practices.”

Members of the marching band are already setting focused goals for themselves and their groups in order to make it to the championships.

“I hope to improve on our overall technique and musical abilities,” Sreeraj said. 

For drumline captain Aishani Avishek, this season will be all about utilizing teamwork to accomplish their goals.

“I want to be able to make a show come to life. It also means I want the group to work better as a team so we can achieve that,” Avishek said.

Of course, the season holds exciting moments for every person as they watch their efforts pay off.

“Seeing all the hard work become something real is truly a special experience,” Borquez said.

To Avishek, all the time, effort, and practice is captured in one powerful experience.

“It’s rather a certain moment than an event. It’s when everyone is giving their 110% in a run; you can feel it. The energy and passion in those runs are the best feelings in the world. You feel like a team,” Avishek said.

The marching band will be performing at the first home football game against Agoura on Aug. 23.