Roadies are students at Shadow Ridge High School who have taken any of the Theatre Tech classes and have chosen to help support the marching band by handling the technical side of performances. Their job includes building the band’s props, setting them up, and moving them. Roadies also take care of the speakers and sound equipment for the front ensemble, making sure everything is properly prepared before each competition.
During football games, Roadies help band members by providing water, assisting in emergency situations, and cleaning up the bleachers afterwards. At marching band competitions at schools such as Foothill, Desert Oasis, Arbor View, and even at Shadow Ridge, Roadies transport equipment, build props on-site, and move them onto the field. They also load and unload all the instruments, coolers, and supplies into their trailer. Roadies make it possible for the band to perform smoothly by managing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps performances running efficiently.
“If we didn’t have roadies, then the band members that are trying to play an instrument would also have to do all those things,” Theatre teacher Katina Hartley states. “Having students in that position eliminates that conflict in certain competitions, and it also alleviates the band members specifically to just focus on playing their music, and doing their marching, and the other things that they have to do.”
Being a Roadie takes a lot of endurance, both physically and mentally. Roadies are constantly lifting heavy equipment, moving props, and working quickly under pressure. They have to stay focused and communicate well, especially during events. Stamina is important during long rehearsals and competitions.
“The hardest part about being a Roadie was on competition days where we had limited time and space to assemble the props and get the vinyls on before we had to perform,” Dezirae Gomez-Storia, a senior Roadie states. “We always try to check off everything we need before we leave the school and communicate with each other.”
A major part of a Roadie’s job is building and moving the props the band uses during performances. They not only assemble each piece but also learn how to move them according to a choreography set by the person who designs the drill. The drill determines exactly when a prop should travel, rotate, or shift to a new position on the field, so Roadies have to learn the timing just like the band members.
“Whenever there was rehearsal we built up the band’s props, put on the vinyls, and rolled the props to the football field and practiced our movements,” Gomez-Storia states.
Before becoming a Roadie students may not realize how much work goes into supporting the band. The job requires flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to handle anything that comes up.
“It’s a lot more work than you would think so be ready to do anything necessary,” Tanner Merrill, senior Roadie stated.
Shadow Ridge Roadies keep the band together by doing the work that allows performances to come to life. Without them, the performances the audience sees wouldn’t be possible. They truly are the backbone of each show making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly.
