Kennedy Marching Band Brings Home Medals After Medals

Photo by Matt Hugh Lim

Kennedy Band wins multiple awards at Band Review. Over the course of this fall season, the marching band participated in multiple competitive band reviews, showcasing their talent and winning several awards. At the Santa Cruz Band Review, percussion and color guard won first place, and the band finished with a close second. Color guard, percussion, and band all placed first at Foothill Band Review. Color guard also topped the podium at the Delta Band Review.

For Band Director David Bickel, the awards are fruits of the marching band’s tireless work to perfect their performances.

“I’m really proud of them, because it’s taken a lot of time, a lot of energy, parents have been super supportive, and we’ve had alumni come in to help us,” said Bickel. “It was really a team effort, and I’m really proud that they were successful this year.”

The members of the marching band devoted countless hours toward preparing for the competitions.

“We practiced everyday outside,” said Rayyan Khan (11). “It was hard getting the band members.”

Despite the preparation, the competition itself was a close one.

“It was pretty competitive, and it was close, but we still won, which is all that matters,” remarked Sanjay Ravichandran (10). “It felt really good, and I’m so proud of the band and very happy overall.”

Joshua Konglathu (10), echoed Ravichandran's statements. He was unsure of the results, but that made winning all the more exciting.

“I felt pretty good because I didn’t know if we were going to win or not,” stated Konglathu. “We were struggling with our marching at first, but we got it all down, which is good.”

For Bickel and the band, being successful musicians goes beyond winning awards. Khan, Ravichandran, and Konglathu all agreed that the time they have spent in band and the connections they have made with others has encouraged them to continue performing with the marching band. Bickel explained that culture, memories, and bonds are what the band is truly about. He hopes that those values will attract new members for the future.

“I think the culture that music has is wonderful and super beneficial. I think the social environment is fun, it’s competitive, it’s supportive, and students can really be themselves,” explained Bickel. “I hope that the students who are looking to have a place to be themselves, to have fun, to be a part of something larger than themselves; I hope they join,” said Bickel.

Even though winning awards will always be something the band strives for, they are primarily focused on being the best musicians they can be.

“I think at the end of the day, it’s more about improving our scores, improving our musicianship, our marching. The awards come second. It’s about just improving and getting stronger and stronger every year,” stated Bickel.

Photos by Kelly Orozco Hernandez | Kennedy's marching band parades down the streets.