Marching Band

MARCHING BAND AND COLOR GUARD

2001 WBA Championships - Finals mp3

Students This was a tremendous season that I will never forget. We won 4 sweepstakes, a first place, and a 2nd place at championships. We also experienced victories in all captions, including a percussion victory at prelims and a colorguard championship at finals. Your success on the field was tremendous, and I am so proud of the "hardware" that you won. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg of what I will remember from this year.

First, I was proud of your growth this year. We had to start all over after band camp, yet you didn't miss a beat. We had many new people this year, and you still pulled of 7/8 and 9/8 at 174. The staff asked a lot from you this year, but instead of complaining you met the challenge with a great attitude and you performed at an extremely high level. This was the best show in our history.

I am most proud of the way you represented yourself, the school, the community, and me. You handled yourself with class and dignity in victory and defeat. When your name wasn't called for 2nd place, you didn't gloat by jumping up and down and cheering. You saved your deserved celebration when you were by yourself. When you did come in 2nd, you showed class by congratulating the band that performed very well that day. I know you didn't feel good about losing, but you showed appreciation for the success of your competitors, which is the sign of a mature, classy group. This made me most proud.

Seniors - you have left a legacy at Aliso Niguel that I hope lasts forever. This was the best attitude that I have ever had. You continued to believe, trust, and work hard under adversity, and the results were an enjoyable season that resulted in great success. You have established a tradition of hard work, responsibility, class, excellence, a positive attitude, concern for others, and a love for the activity that I hope is repeated in future classes. You guys are a '10,' and I can't express my gratitude and pride for you in words. I will never forget you.

You all have experienced what it feels like to give everything you have into something. Although the results weren't a championship, I wouldn't be more proud of your efforts if you had won. The lessons you learned this year will prove valuable to you in whatever you do outside of band. These lessons can't just be taught. They need to be experienced. You experienced them, and you will be more successful because of them. Great job band! Great job colorguard! I love you all, and I am proud to be your director.

Mr. McElroy