On Saturday, March 4th, the West High School Entertainment unit hosted the South Bay Spirit Day. Starting at eight in the morning and ending at eight The bands and performing groups from all the schools in SoCal and elsewhere came together to perform on the West High football stadium in front of judges. Color Guards waved their rainbow flags, Drill Teams shook to the beat, the drum-line rattled the stands, and everyone had a great time.
Though fine-arts are not popular in entertainment America, many people were enthralled by the sheer beauty of the performing groups. Brandon Macias (11) stated, “Thousands of people from a multiple of schools participated in the [event].” The South Bay invitational was a collision of pop-culture and band. The obstinately conservative performing arts programs burst out of its shell and showed its true colors on the field. The more liberal bands, more current drill teams, and risky drum-lines won the top places among the dozens competing. “My most memorable moments were being on the drum-line and getting cheered on by spectators in the gym,” concluded Macias, a member of West High’s own drum-line program. West High Entertainment Unit, which hosted the shows was looked favorably by the judges but, ultimately, did not win the first place. However, it was a good experience that brought together a myriad of playing styles, directors, and performers in the same place to be judged and, hopefully, encouraged.
The South Bay Invitational was great also because it was an offseason event. “Though the drill teams were in season, many of the bands were off season,” said Macias. Many of the bands that performed had come together off season. And they had stayed together. The practices and effort put into an event that isn’t their main was a great display. Players chose to put effort into this.
And, thanks to their efforts, the South Bay Invitational Spirit Day was a great success – for both West and the South Bay.