On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Rancho Cucamonga Marching Cougars (RCMC) performed their show “Second Star to the Right” at the Chaffey High School stadium, at 7:45 p.m., for their second competition of the year. The first competition was held at Ayala High School on Saturday, Oct. 12.
The “Peter Pan” themed production, directed by senior Joshua Lin, senior Ventura Cimenski-Almogela, and junior Chloe Liu won Auxiliary Sweepstakes, High Visual Performance, and first place in Division 6A Band.
“The students demonstrated where they’re at in the season. I feel like the students did great as far as the awards that were won,” said Mr. James Ana, the band director. “I think the judges were seeing what we’re seeing for the most part and that the students are being rewarded for their hard work.”
Before the show, the band rehearsed from 10 a.m.-12:45 a.m. getting ready for the show and improving on what they needed to do.
“I think this year’s production really highlights some amazing music and some great visual ideas. I’m really looking forward to seeing it in its final product when it’s finally done because it’s not done yet,” said Ana.
Students loaded the busses to go to the competition at 2:45 p.m., and at 3 p.m., the RCMC departed from Rancho Cucamonga High School and made its way to Chaffey High School.
After a long day of practice and preparation, the real show began. The star props that enhanced the “Peter Pan” theme were put up, and performers got into position.
“It was a great time. There was a great amount of hype surrounding this show considering it was our first one back in our regular division as well as being able to see the other great bands in SoCal,” sophomore Isaiah Valtier, who plays the snare drum, said. “We definitely stepped up our game compared to the last comp. Our timing accuracy and cohesion as an ensemble was better than the last competition. I admit it was a little hard to raise the standard, but our hard work paid off this time around. Overall, I’d say we did a great job on our visual and musical performance.”
The next band competition is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, and it will be held at Etiwanda High School.
“Being a drum major facilitates many of my relationships with my bandmates, and it’s what I like most about my role,” said Lin. “I have much pride in directing our band and it is a comforting experience. I gain a lot of adrenaline in doing so, and plus, being the person to lead my peers lets me feel connected to them on a more personal level.”
