Here on campus, we have an amazing band and colorguard team that deserves more appreciation. On October 9, our Mayfair band and colorguard hosted a showcase for different schools to compete. Several schools that competed were Gahr High School, Cerritos High School, Millikan High School, and Long Beach Polytechnic High School. There are six different divisions currently our marching band is in 4A. For this showcase, Mayfair did not compete but they did perform. This year's field show was themed on the 1960s. The Mayfair Monsoon Marching Corp is under the direction of band director Tom Philips and the color guard instructor is Griselda Gonzalez and Malika Bookout. Our Mayfair Monsoon Marching Corp has won 1st place in division 6A and 3rd in the state in 2018. In 2019, our marching band was awarded 2nd place in division 5A and 2nd place in the state. Mayfair's Marching Band isn't just a performing arts course but it is also an activity that helps you build friendships and develop valuable skills.
Janessa Guzman is one of the color guard captains this year. She has been in the guard for four years now and states “My favorite thing about guard is that I get to be surrounded by so many amazing people who are talented and it's where my family is. It affected me positively in my life and has shown me how I can become a better leader and a better teammate.” Guzman’s experience is a prime example of how our marching band and colorguard has positively impacted our seniors.
Omar Barboza is also a senior here at Mayfair High School and has been a part of colorguard for four years and expresses how much he loves performing at shows. He goes on to say,” My favorite thing about guard is being able to learn new skills that I never thought I'd be able to do. Guard has made a positive impact on me and I'm very grateful that it taught me valuable skills like leadership, flexibility, strength, and determination.” These two individuals were part of the Color Guard team for their entire high school career and have been training everyday, even during quarantine.
Chiagozie Okoye is another senior at Mayfair and has been part of the marching band since 2018. He says” I really love the chance to perform and compete. I've learned a lot about music. Also, it's given me an opportunity to grow as a leader.” He plays the role of being the drum major in the band. The drum major is responsible for giving instructions from the band director and leads the marching band throughout the show.
Robert Mcgrath is a junior that’s been in the drum line for 3 years. He mentions,” I really love the community and the people that I get to meet. Band always pushes me to get better and strive for more.”
Mayfair Monsoon marching corps not only perform at competitions, but also present their show during half-time at football games. They also do parades before the games and participate in competitions. They also have the chance to go to Disneyland to show off their parade march. Don't miss the chance to see these amazing people perform their field show. They work so hard everyday. Their field show may not be entirely complete, but it is still a solid production. The Mayfair monsoon marching band is always looking for talent. If you're a beginner and want to join, that's completely fine. Everyone is welcome and, based on several Monsoon experiences, it is a safe and positive environment.