Although this semester is quickly coming to an end, this will not stop the Marching Band from successfully executing more of their amazing performances, staying persistent and determined, all while having fun, being creative and bonding together with fellow students and teachers. 

Here at Shadow Ridge, the Marching Band has a rehearsal coming up on Halloween, October 31st, where students get to experience a fun and amazing experience by being able to wear their Halloween costumes while rehearsing. 

With the Halloween rehearsal or spirit days that Marching Band has, students need to follow a general rule. As long as it’s a school appropriate and doesn’t impede their ability to move and play, then they are eligible to wear whatever they please.

Senior, Cailyn Hartman states, ¨As a band, we think of each other as a family, and this is because of fun activities we do like this rehearsal.¨

The rehearsal is to prepare for the Championships on November 2nd. It also gives the students an opportunity to practice in a fun, outgoing style, as well as a time to bond with other students and Mr. Hartley. It will not be as long as normal rehearsals so the students will have time to spend with friends and family on Halloween.

Marching Band does similar things for the blackout performance that’s coming up on November 4th, where the kids adorn themselves in glowy and flashy things, and they perform the show in the dark. They can wear whatever they need to, and however they want, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of them playing. 

The mastermind of it all, Mr. Hartley, is the band director who is responsible for all success so far this season. Mr. Hartley has not only been a determined and supportive teacher, but has also been making sure his students are having fun and growing in unimaginable ways. 

Sophomore, Maxim Guiterriz mentions, ¨I think he’s doing a great job. He knows that we need all the rehearsal time we can get but knows that the students want to spend time with friends on this holiday.¨

As more rehearsals and performances go by, the respect for Mr. Hartley’s success and determination continues to drive students towards band and Marching Band. Throughout his time at Shadow, his students continue to speak highly of him.

Senior, Micah Salazar states, ¨I have the utmost respect for him, what he’s done for the band the last few years is nothing short of incredible. He’s allowed this program to flourish, and has allowed for student leadership to grow leading this program to unlimited potential.¨