Extracurriculars

Carson High School Marching Blue Thunder

The Carson High School Marching Blue Thunder is a marching band and auxiliary team that was founded in 1981. I auditioned for a spot in the drumline as a freshman and experienced my first marching season as a sophomore. In total, I spent about three years in marching band.

Responsibilities

Band Camp

Annual two week summer session preparing for the upcoming marching season through physical conditioning, marching basics review, and music review.

At Home Practice

While in this program I learned discipline through daily practice. I truly learned that developing skills takes time and effort.

Night Rehearsals

In addition to rehearsals during school hours, night rehearsals were rehearsal sessions in a three hour time frame often from around 5pm-8pm which dedicated half of the rehearsal to music and half of the rehearsal to marching.

Football Games

I attended weekly football games after school where I performed songs, drum cadences, and shows rehearsed (e.g., pre-game and halftime.)

Community Events

I performed in local community events such as the annual Wilmington Labor Day Parade, San Pedro Spirit of the Holiday Parade, and Carson Veteran's Day Celebration.

Leadership

In junior year, I became the bass drum section lieutenant, and in senior year I became the drum captain. As a leader, I oversaw my assigned sections and attended weekly meetings where I advocated for my team and addressed topics concerning the well being of the band. Throughout my three years, I have learned discipline, how to handle group conflicts, and how to teach others.

Los Angeles All-City Honor Band

The Los Angeles All-District Honor Band—founded in 1972 and open to all students of LAUSD—is one of the four bands deemed "honor band" by the Tournament of Roses. Since its establishment, All-City has been marching in the annual Rose Parade, representing the city of Los Angeles. To participate as a drumline member, I had to pass an audition.

Responsibilities

Weekly Rehearsals

For five weeks, after auditions passed, I dedicated my Saturdays to rehearsing with All-City at El Sereno Middle School.

Winter Break

Besides major holidays and a few rest days, I spent Winter break with the All-City marching band rehearsing and conditioning (marching around various locations such as California State University Los Angeles and Dodger's stadium) for upcoming performances.

Performances

All-City band members participated in the following performances:

Disneyland
Pasadena City College/Band Fest
Tournament of Roses Parade (Rose Parade)
Kingdom Day Parade

"All-City Attitude"

All All-City band members were expected to keep an "All-City attitude"—one that reflected pride, discipline, community, and determination. Through this program I became more confident in my abilities, determined to push through hardships, and connected to my community.

In The Heights 2022

In July of 2022, Carson High School put on a production of Lin Manuel Miranda's In The Heights. I attended vocal and dance workshops to audition as an ensemble member and got the part.

Responsibilities

Rehearsals

Being a part of the musical required me to dedicate my time to rehearsing afterschool and during the summer. Rehearsals would last about three hours for multiple days a week as I refined my vocal and dance skills.

Understudy

I, along with another actor, was given the role of "understudy" for the character Camila. I took note of lines and ran through some songs at least once before opening day just in case we needed to step in.

Ensemble Work

I adjusted to my cast members both during rehearsals and live on stage through song and dance. In addition to literal ensemble work in choreography and voice, I had to work with all actors through communication to put on the best production possible.

Though I did not continue theater in high school, I have always appreciated the time, effort, and artistry it takes to put on a show. I credit my experience in In The Heights to my being comfortable in front of an audience and being able to identify how to improve my own performance.

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