Band Camp 2024

Over the summer, Cal Hi marching band students have the opportunity to participate in our school’s two week long band camp, where they will learn the basics of marching, posture, drill commands, etc. as well as how to read music and play instruments. 

In preparation for this year’s marching band season, California High School students have been using this time to condition their bodies for the strenuous task of marching a full field show.

 Sophomores Natalia Alvarez Sanchez and Kiarra Barragan say that “Band camp has been a great experience for me so far! I’ve met so many new people, and gained stronger relationships with people I know,” and “I’ve already learned so much because of this program. I feel like band camp is very helpful for beginners. It really introduces you to marching band”.

  Along with the different forms of body conditioning and PT leading up to marching and drill, they’ve been spending lots of time working on playing their instruments and learning the music they’ll need to memorise. 

Sophomore Ethan Merkle, when asked about how he enjoys band camp, says, “Band camp definitely isn’t easy, but it’s also very fun, and extremely helpful for beginners wanting to join marching band”. 

Junior Alejandro (Alex) Gutierrez stated that band camp is, “a lot of work, and a lot of time spent perfecting and working on those key little details and steps that we don’t move on from until they’re done,” and is greatly looking forward to the season of marching.

 Other students, such as Sophomore Logan Solte agreed that, “In the end I know it will all have been worth it and am enthusiastic leading up to this school year and marching season,”. 

In their respective groups, or “sections” of musicians, they each do their own part to contribute to one amazing work. As Gutierrez says, “Once the work gets put together into the show, whether it’s playing, or marching, or both, it feels so worth it. Especially with the people you have to help you along the way”. 

In the Colourguard section, incoming Freshman Sophia Lizarraga tells us that, “I feel like there is no judgement and only support. They’re so friendly and we always work hard to do our best so that it shows on the day we perform,”. 

We’re truly looking forward to a wonderful season, and an amazing show from these talented students!