On November 14, the nine seniors of Paint Branch’s Marching Band celebrated their Senior Night, a traditional event made to honor the students soon to graduate. This year’s event was held in collaboration with senior night for football players and cheerleaders and was celebrated during PB’s second-round playoff game.
For the band seniors, the official event began in the band room as they excitedly gathered and waited for the official beginning of the celebration, which was conducted by the band’s underclassmen. The seniors sat in an arc, facing the podium where their peers had their posters, goodie bags, and sashes that read “Senior” ready for them. Once everyone was settled, the function began.
One by one, each senior was called up and presented with a unique poster filled with love from their bandmates. With cheers, screams, and photos for every person it was nothing short of a warm and wholesome moment for our Panthers.
Senior trombone player Dillon Corbin said, “it felt great being presented with the posters. They looked great and everyone did amazing on all of them.” Color guard senior Hilina Solomon expressed, “When I was presented with my poster I was so amazed because I could just tell the amount of dedication that was put into it by my friends. They actively researched my interests and had so many nice pictures of me. The design was so beautiful. I was so surprised at the amount of detail put into it!!! It was also so nice to have my other band members cheer me on as I received my poster. In conclusion, a 10/10 experience.”
Once Dillon, Hilina, and the other seven seniors received their posters and add-ons, it was time to get ready to begin the evening’s game-centered festivities. The band put on their signature burgundy and black uniforms, tossed on their marching shoes, gathered their instruments as well as flags, and headed out to march outside.
While the others marched to their section in the bleachers, the seniors made their way behind the gates of the left side of the football field where they joined the senior footballers and cheerleaders. As the underclassmen looked on, the PA announcer began to call out each senior, starting with the football team, until last, but surely not the least, our Marching Band. The seniors walked through the gates onto the football field, this time with their posters in hand alongside their family and friends. Once everyone completed their walk, the second round of playoffs for the Paint Branch football team officially began.
From then on, the night continued like any other game. The footballers fought strongly against Blake, the cheerleaders shouted their chants, and friends as well as family cheered as the Marching Band played in the stands and performed their video game-themed halftime show.
While the night may have been cold, the warm atmosphere among everyone in attendance was enough to keep the band filled with energy. After a long game, which resulted in a 34-14 victory over the Bengals, the evening came to a close. With another “once in a lifetime” event completed, it was no doubt an unforgettable and precious night for our senior marching band panthers.
