Submitted by Sarah Campbell, Band Mom
OAKHURST – Yosemite High’s Badger Marching Band & Percussion is off to a fierce start this school year!
The students have hardly taken a breath since the beginning of August.
Fresno State alum Francisco Marquez took over the YHS music program from long standing and well-loved, now-retired teacher Randy Hyatt. Mr. Marquez has not wasted a minute warming up to his new job.
The 50+ member band is under the leadership of Drum Major Meagan Montalto in her Junior year, and Drum Line Captain Alex Dugovic, a Senior.
The band began learning their music, marching together and getting to know new students during their two week Summer Band Camp.
This was a great time of fun games, hard work, bonding, music and physical conditioning! Now everyone is ready for those long parade routes. One of the reasons band stays in step is that junior Allie Donnell is the current Band President.
The marching band has already played for three Badger home football games. One of those games was Middle School Night where the band members were able to mentor junior high music students. The future Badgers played right alongside the high schoolers as they marched into the football stadium.
The Badger Band has also had performances at Oak Creek Intermediate School, Oakhurst Community Center, and Patriot Day at Oakhurst Community Park. At the Heritage Days Parade the Badger Band they took 1st Place for floats.
They also represented the school at the Oakhurst Fall Festival and YHS Back-To-School Night.
Still haven’t had a chance to experience this spirited group? Don’t worry, there are lots of upcoming opportunities. You won’t want to miss their halftime show from the Broadway musical Wicked. The Badgers have two more home football games: October 17 and November 7. They will be part of a Homecoming parade around the YHS campus this Friday morning.
Also, don’t be surprised the next time you’re shopping on a Saturday, if you’re treated to some awesome music on your way in or out of Von’s. Those Badgers are everywhere!
You can support the Badger Band & Percussion by signing up for Vons E-scrip or Raley’s Something Extra. To do this, or if you would like to see their schedule, look them up on Facebook and at www.yhsmusic.com.
Click on images to enlarge. Photographs thanks to Virginia Lazar and Steve Montalto.
