As halftime arrives, the Crimson Marching Band illuminates the field with their gleaming brass and silver instruments. The audience drifts their attention towards the marchers and their faces light with excitement as they grow louder and cheer for the band. The stadium lights glare off the instruments leaving everyone blinded, but not enough to keep them from watching the long-awaited show.

After formulaically getting into position, they raise their instruments and play melodies loud enough for everyone across the field to hear. As the performance continues, they march with their steps and music in sync.

“To prepare for a football game, we have rehearsals Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and a little bit on Friday,” sergeant-at-arms Lissette Gallardo said. “We go over the football game music and go over things we need to improve on.”

Aside from performing at football games, most of the Marching Band’s time is occupied by preparation for their own rivalries.

In particular, the ensemble is getting ready for the LAUSD Marching Band Championship, which is set to take place on Dec. 2.

“Last year we did pretty good,” Gallardo said. “Even though we got third place out of the five bands competing, it was so amazing seeing the audience clap for us after our performance. I almost started crying of joy because the feeling was just awesome.” 

In preparation for the competition, marching band members are going to be rehearsing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays leading up to the event.

“We work very hard to learn drills and our show music,” Gallardo said. “I think we are gonna do better this year.”

According to woodwind captain Mireya Pacheco, the group has been meticulously honing their abilities.

“The day of the competition, we normally have anxious energy because we’re excited to show off our skills, but scared we might mess up or not get the score we want,” she said. “We are preparing to take things slow and make everything perfect so we are prepared to compete on the day of.”

Music teacher Mr. Robert Eisenhart operates as head of the marching band.

“I’m the director of the marching band program, and I’ve been doing that here at Van Nuys High School for 32 years,” he said. “I write the music, I write the field formations and, of course, I’m involved with educating the students and guiding our older students to help educate as well, so they’re part of the teaching team.”

According to Mr. Eisenhart, learning to play an instrument is no easy feat.

“It’s horrible, it’s incredibly difficult and it’s a struggle, but it’s one of the most amazing and beautiful struggles there is,” he said. “On one side of it you can say to yourself that this is the most ridiculous thing, I’m blowing my air and spit in a tube and it makes no sense that I would be doing this. But then you put 13 different types of tubes in a room with 40 people and you can make some pretty amazing art. It can be pretty challenging, but it’s a great struggle and I embrace the struggle.”

Teamwork comes naturally to these students.

“My favorite part of being in marching band is mainly being a part of an awesome community,” trombone player Adrian Rodriguez said.

Many students, including Pacheco, have grown as a result of their experience in band.

“Being in marching band has taught me about having good communication with others, supporting one another in everything we do and learning to be confident in yourself,” she said.

Despite the stress that comes with perfecting their craft, the band is determined to be the best they can be.

“One of the things that I love about Van Nuys High School and I’ve really enjoyed about the community here is that the students walk in through the door eager to participate and eager to work with other students and learn from each other,” Mr. Eisenhart said.