On November 15, Eleanor Roosevelt High School was supposed to host the 1A Prelims, which is essentially a marching band competition for bands that are in the 1A category. ERHS marching band was very successful with show hosting for the past two years and they were anticipating for another amazing experience, when disaster struck.
Since November 10, heavy rain has been forcasted for almost four days straight, starting on November 12. Being aware of students’ safety, the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) has decided to cancel all 1A prelims that were going to happen on November 15. This is partially because of electronic equipment, which cannot function in rain, and mostly because of safety concerns.
Many students, such as Xandre Hartling, a senior in band, showed sorrow at the show getting cancelled. Xandre is dissapointed at not being able to enjoy the marching band experience for the last time.
“This truly is a sad day for us,” said Xandre Hartling, a four-year marching band member.
“This is not good, because we usually perform at the end of the prelims, so we’re missing our chance to both perform and practice before we go to the championships,” said Taylor Wong, a three-year marching band member.
As a junior, Wong wanted not only to enjoy his experience in marching band, but to also prepare for the championship that is on November 22. He thinks that this loss of opportunity to practice is a crucial setback for the band.
Although the show hosting is cancelled due to a heavy rain, ERHS marching band is still seeking an alternative way to get better, such as having rehearsal indoors. Even though there are many limitations, it’s inspiring to see how the band tries to make themselves better even in dire situations.
