by Crystal Rakes
You’ve all heard them. They play during first period, both on the field and on the street. They rehearse every Thursday night from 7-9. They go to every football game and most recently put in an appearance at the Dinuba Raisin Day Parade and the Reedley Fiesta Parade. That’s right; they’re the Reedley High Dancing Marching Pirate Band!
This Year's Reedley High School Marching Band
The band is back and pumped to take on another year of marching season. They have an amazing line-up of songs, new field drills, and are preparing not only for their major competition, the Selma Band Review, but also an overnight trip to San Jose to be in a televised Christmas parade.
Every year the band plays the “Fite Song”, “The Star Spangled Banner”, and the “Alma Mater”, but they also play four performance songs. This year, they are playing “Thnks Fr th Mmrs” by Fall Out Boy, “Superstar”, “Echano”, and the classic street song “Tiger Rag.” Every member of the band must memorize and play these songs in front of a director perfectly before the Selma Band Review at the end of October; otherwise, they will not be able to go to San Jose.
In addition to learning how to play the music, band members must also learn drills and choreography. Two hours of their Thursday nights are dedicated to learning the complex drills on the field for half-time shows. Class time is also given up to learn how to march in straight files on the street and to learn difficult dance maneuvers. Needless to say, band students put out a lot of energy and effort.
Saturday, October 9, the band performed again at the Reedley Fiesta Parade. They had improved quite a bit since the Raisin Day Parade, and added some new dance moves. Next stop is the Selma Band Review. Selma is a very big competition for bands all over the valley. Schools like Sanger, Redwood, Reedley, Clovis, Manachi, and Sierra High, all compete in several major areas: street, field, drum feature, flag, and Drum Major. Prizes are awarded to the highest point scorers in each division. After each division is awarded, prizes are given for the highest point scorers overall. The award everyone wants is Grand Sweepstakes.
Reedley has come agonizingly close to winning Grand Sweepstakes for the last three years. Each year, Manachi High has stolen the prize right out from under them. This year, the band is ready to take Sweepstakes from them. They’ve worked hard on their drills, and are busily learning their music.
Welcome back Pirate Band, and good luck!!! Beat Manachi!!
Reedley High School also has many wonderful clubs for students to participate in. The following list was submitted by Reedley High School. For those looking for a place on campus to become involved why not check out one of these clubs. For more information you can contact Chrisann Boone.
Reedley High School Clubs
Reedley High School Clubs are a part of the Associated Student Body (ASB) and are required to have regular meetings (usually during lunch or before/after school) with nominated and elected officers. Clubs teach responsibility, government essentials, build friendships and give students opportunities to further their education.
Academic Decathlon-Promote interest in and knowledge about Academic Decathlon Competitions.
Asian Persuasion-Promote interest and knowledge in Asian Culture.
Art Club-Promote interest and knowledge in the arts.
AVID-Promote educational goals in continuing after high school into a 4 year college program. (Advancement Via Individual Determination)
Bilingual Club-Promote interest and knowledge of students with a second language in school activities.
CIA-For students to lead, serve and learn more about the Catholic Faith. (Catholics in Action)
California Scholarship Federation-Targets honor students and students with a high GPA-main goals are scholarships for post high school education. (CSF)
Christian Club-For students to lead, serve, and socialize in a Christian based atmosphere.
Collectors Club-For students interested in the art of collections.
Computer Club-Targets students interested in Computer and video games. Promote computers and student leadership.
Drama Club-Targets students interested in all aspects of theater.
Entre Nous-Promotes leadership, and to uphold the standards of the school and its traditions and to render service to others
FBLA- Targets students interested in business careers through leadership opportunities and competitions. (Future Business Leaders of America)
FCA-Targeting athletes interested in Christian fellowship and outreach. (Fellowship Christian Athletes)
FFA-Targets students interested in agriculture emphasizing leadership, community involvement, competition, & career development. (Future Farmers of America)
FHA/FCCLA-Promotes leadership, knowledge, and service opportunities for students interested in Family and Consumer Studies classes. (Consumer Family Studies Club)
Folkloric/Latin Dance-Students interested in dance and getting involved in school and off-campus activities.
Forensics-Provides opportunities for students to practice public speaking skills and compete in tournaments.
French Club-Targets students interested in the French culture and provides service opportunities.
GSA-Provides leadership, service opportunities and awareness of promoting all kinds of people have the right to be different. (Gay Straight Alliance)
German Club- Targets students interested in the German culture and provides service opportunities.
Generation Green-Targets students interested in the forestry service and environmental education while promoting high education and lower drop out rates.
Helping Hands-For students interested in the medical field and provides service opportunities while learning more about medical careers.
Interact-Sponsored by Rotary Club to help students to become leaders dedicated to understanding the international community through service.
Key Club-Youth club sponsored by Kiwanis Intl. Community service, community awareness and RHS involvement.
KTB/SOS-A club to benefit the students at RHS with special needs. (Knock the Barriers)
MESA-For students interested in Engineering.
NJROTC-Targets students inquiring about a military career, with emphasis in extra curricular leadership and involvement.
Reedley Migrant Club- To promote and assist the migrant student.
Spanish Club-For students interested in the Spanish Culture through leadership, fellowship and service.
Sports Medicine Club-For students interested in medicine with an emphasis on learning about sports medicine.
Students for Peace- A chance for students to discuss and be informed about world issues and solving them peacefully.
Teachers of Tomorrow-For aspiring educators/teachers through service and hands on learning.
Aquatics-Swimming and Water Polo enthusiasts to promote teamwork, and educational, social & other activities.
Baseball-For students interested in Baseball.
Basketball-For students interested in Basketball.
Badminton-For students interested in the game of badminton.
Cross Country/Track-Running/Track competitors.
Football-Football interest.
Golf-For students interested in golf for competition and enjoyment.
Soccer-To promote soccer through leadership opportunities, competitions, and education.
Softball-For students interested in softball.
Tennis-For students interested in tennis.
Volleyball-For students interested in volleyball.
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