Last Friday at Yucca Valley High School our Mustangs competed against the Trojans for CIF playoffs. Kick off started at 7:00pm with the Trojans scoring almost immediately. Our Mustangs tried to bounce back by scoring 2 touchdowns, one extra point, and one field goal. The final score ending at: 43-17 Unfortunately, this marked the end of the season with a devastating loss against the Trojans.
I decided to get the perspective of people we haven’t exactly heard from yet that work equally as hard during the football season.
Hitching Post: How do you prepare for a performance at a football game?
Carmen Lohora-Young (Trombonist): We prepare for football games usually an hour before we start heading there. We form an arc, and start warmups. After that, we go through our set list of songs. When everything is done, we start getting in our lines and cadence to the stands.
Hitching Post: How do you respond to feedback from the band director or other remembers?
Carmen Lohora-Young (Trombonist) : Feedback is usually given during the arc before the game, and when I do get feedback I make sure to keep it in my head and make a mental note for the song or technique it applies to. When the time comes up, I make sure to change what I was doing wrong in correspondence to what they gave feedback on.
Hitching Post: How long have you been cheerleading?
Emma Eary (Varsity Cheerleader): I’ve been doing cheer for 3 years. One year in Middle School and 2 years in High School.
Hitching Post: How do you prepare for cheerleading performances at football games?
Emma Eary (Varsity Cheerleader): I prepare by going home after school and getting ready for the game. I go over my cheers and the band dances before I leave.
(Emma Eary with Varsity Cheer Captain Karina Leon)
Hitching Post: How well do you work with others in a band setting?
Jordan Toledo (Drum Major): Having been in band 3 years prior to this year, it’s fairly easy; I’m close with everyone and I’ve formed a great relationship with the ensemble as a whole. It’s great when we’re having fun, but also locking in at the same time!
Hitching Post: How do you stay energized during a football game?
Jordan Toledo (Drum Major): I have fun with friends in the stands by cheering the football team on! Football games are definitely my favorite things in the marching band; because I love spending time with everyone during the game, and that’s what gives me energy to stay focused at the game, despite being tired.
Hitching post: How do you handle performing in front of large, potentially rowdy crowds?
Jordan Toledo (Drum Major): Being a performer for four years has made me unfazed with performing in front of a crowd, but there are definitely times where I become nervous, especially during competition runs. To combat this. I take deep breaths to calm myself down, chew gum before a performance, and talk to my friends to take my mind off of my nerves.
Overall, the game showed how hard our team has worked this season. Even with the tough moments, they kept pushing, kept communicating, and didn’t give up. No matter the final score, our Mustangs walked off the field knowing they gave it their all. Here’s a huge thank you to all the coaches for pushing the team and keeping everyone focused this season. Thank you to the players for putting in the work every single game and making them worth watching. Big shout out to the cheerleaders for keeping the energy high, and to the band for bringing the hype at every kickoff, touchdown, and halftime. Lastly, thank you to our advisors for supporting all of us and helping make the season run smoothly. We appreciate everything you all did to make this football season one to remember. Now, we look ahead for what’s to come.
