Presenting their show, Band was also able to show off their new costumes for the year, which strayed from the uniform they’ve previously used.
Warrior Band
Rehearsing before their final performance, members practiced their show, Birds on a Wire.
Warrior Band
Leading Warrior Band, the drum major conducts to assist the members.
Warrior Band
On Saturday, Sept. 16, The Warrior Marching Band’s yearly fundraiser came to a close at their annual March-A-Thon where they showcased their piece, Birds on a Wire, at the Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex.
The event consisted of a four-hour rehearsal, which preceded a performance presented to parents, alumni, sponsors, and other attendees.
“Rehearsal was really fun because it wasn’t that hot, [so] we were really able to push hard and get a lot done,” Annalise Breyer ‘25 said. “It was really fulfilling.”
With the show requiring 13 props on the field compared to 64 props last year, March-A-Thon was the first real test of how everything worked together on the field.
“[The show] is a lot less busy, [which] makes things a whole lot simpler for us,” Sam Fowler ‘25 said. “Even though the props individually are more complex, they’re a whole lot easier to deal with.”
For the first time since the 2018 show, Celestial Motions, the band has a uniform specific to their show. This year’s uniforms feature bird feathers on the show tops, as well as a yellow feather on everyone’s shako.
“I do like [the uniforms because] they’re cooler temperature-wise, and I like the design,” Kylie Bojorquez ‘24 said. “The color combinations are a little interesting, but I think it’ll work well with the field.”
With a total of $96,000 raised, the band exceeded this year’s fundraising goal of $80,000. Despite its purpose of raising money, March-A-Thon was a time for the band community to to spend time together.
“I think it’s also a community [event] now, especially because Grisham and Canyon Vista have a part of the fundraiser too,” Assistant Band Director Brittany Dacy said.
Overall, the band has seen a drastic improvement since last year and is looking forward to the rest of their season. For years, at this point in the marching season, the Westwood Band had never performed so much of the show for March-A-Thon.
“I feel like we’ve got a lot of energy, and I can see a lot of good things happening,” Lian Wong ‘27 said. “I have great hopes for the rest of our season.”
