By Sean Mueck
The Benicia High School Panther Band has had a long history of excelling in many different forms of music including Jazz, Concert, and more. The band, which is now under the direction of Candice Crismond, competes in local Northern California reviews in concert, marching band, jazz, and colorguard. About seventy members make up the band program, and marching practices are held after school three days a week for most of the school year.
Jazz, drumline, and winter guard are all additional extracurricular activities open to students. The jazz band practices two times a week throughout most of the year and competes along with other ensembles at reviews. Drumline and Winter Guard run throughout the winter season competing with other local schools.
The band this year has already secured numerous victories, with the Wind Ensemble earning first place overall in three out of the four band reviews of the fall season. The group also participates in local parades and hosts concerts in the PAB (at Benicia High School), which are open to the public.
You can catch the band marching in numerous famous parades around the country as well. Every two years, the band goes on a trip to domestic and international cities. Previous trips have included Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Victoria, B.C. The last trip was held earlier this year in March, where the group traveled to New York City and participated in the 262nd St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The band spent a week in “The City that Never Sleeps” and visited famous historical places such as the 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, along with watching the Broadway show, ‘Hades Town’.
When interviewed about his experience in Band, Avery Reed, a junior at Benicia High School, said New York was his favorite moment because he was able to, “hang out with friends while discovering a new area.” He said he enjoys band because he likes, “just messing around with friends, and playing music (especially jazz).” Avery said he is looking forward to going to Hawaii next year and, “hopefully having an even better experience than New York.” Finally, when asked if he had to give advice to new members, he said, “Go out, talk to people, and make friends, because it just makes your experience in band and school better.”
When interviewed, Quinn Kelly shared similar sentiments with Avery. Quinn, also a junior at Benicia High School, is the current assistant drum major and is in line to become the drum major for the 2024–2025 school year. Quinn said “making unforgettable memories” with his best friends was among his favorite memories in the program. He stated that he enjoys band for the “social aspect,” and he feels that “it makes the whole experience better.” Quinn said his advice to new members was “Don’t be shy, be yourself.” “We all love the band.” “Don’t feel the need to change yourself for something you love; let yourself shine, and I guarantee that you will have so much fun.” Quinn will lead the band while in Hawaii during the 2024 and 2025 school year.
You can watch the band perform at the spring concert, Livingston band review, and Wind Ensemble concert next year.
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