On October 24, the JPS Marching Band held their annual Senior Night at the last home football game of the season. This event was held to honor the seniors who have given many hours to the program, whether it was the many rehearsals or performances, celebrating hard work, leadership, and passion for music over the years.
“This was a really proud moment for me, ” said senior Jonathan Jiang. “I saw my years of dedication to the program flash by me, and I began to appreciate my time in marching band.”
Before kickoff, the field was lit up as the announcer started calling every senior’s name. Out they came down the fifty-yard line, escorted by their family members: some fighting off tears, some beaming with excitement and waving to the crowd, and underclassmen of the band who were cheering wildly from the stands.
The different sections, including brass, woodwinds, and percussion, prepared special posters, each for their seniors, covered with inside jokes, photos, and heartfelt messages. From bright brass section banners to the color guard’s glittering signs, the stands were filled with color, music, and celebration.
With the final name called, the rest of the Marching Hawks erupted in applause and chants in unison, creating a moment that truly captured the spirit of the program. Later that night, the band would take to the field their performance of “Reign On”, dedicating the show of royalty to the seniors who helped shape the group into what it is today. The leadership that they provided and the examples they set for the freshmen allowed for a culture of dedication and pride to form within the band.
“It’s going to be really sad seeing all the seniors go,” said junior Nathan Mendonca. “I made some good friends and I was happy they got their moment in the spotlight.”
Senior night was a tribute to the family that JPS Marching Band had become. It was a time for the band members to celebrate with lots of fun and emotional sendoffs, leaving them with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
