Award-Winning Marching Band Season Comes to a Close

Poway High School's Emerald Brigade will compete in its final competition of the marching band season this Saturday.

The band will attend the Marching Band Open Series Championship Tournament at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Corona where they are the defending champions.

Emerald Brigade lived up to its reputation as an award-winning marching band this season. During the course of the season, Emerald Brigade participated in three contests and brought home trophies from each one. The band, which includes almost 175 Poway High School students, was awarded first place in its first two competitions and second place in their most recent competition.

But, trophies aren't easy to earn. The 12-week marching band season requires a lot of time, effort and practice.

"It's been a real demanding season for the students," said Sylvester Sybilski, one of the two band directors. "The show we've chosen is very difficult. It's very complex, very physically demanding as well…I think that the kids were excited about the show. They got scared because of the challenges, but I think they've done a great job meeting those challenges."

The season began before the first day of school and band members are required to attend a one-week summer band camp where they learn and practice most of the music for their fall show. There are also several rehearsals throughout the summer that aren't mandatory, but help attendees become familiar with the music and marching techniques.

Once the school year begins, students practice daily in their physical education marching band and musical band classes. There are also rehearsals held outside of class on Thursdays and some Saturdays.

Although her schedule can be challenging, Band President Mackenzie Murray, who is also a lacrosse player, has learned how to balance her extracurriculars in addition to her academics and free time.

"It's difficult at times but I love both of them a lot, so it's worth having to be busy all the time," said Murray, a senior who plays the clarinet.

In addition to practicing inside and outside of the classroom, the students also perform at the school's football games, which act as a dress rehearsal.

"When you go to the competitions, it's a lot more exhilarating; it's a lot more fun," said Kayla Poole, a senior bass clarinet player. "It's definitely more of a competitive edge and you want to do your best."

Hoping to end the season at their best, band members will continue their structured practice schedule until their final contest. While Poway High School classes won't meet Thursday and Friday because of Veterans Day, the Emerald Brigade will have full band rehearsals.

"I think the program, with the combination of these really great kids, has really turned out to be the equation for the success that we've had over the years," Sybilski said. "It truly is an experience for them that is really awarding."