On the early morning of Saturday December 1st, 2007, the Fairfax Marching Lions awoke with excitement and determination on their mind. They were ready to present their show entitled "From Dusk to Dawn" in championships. Even with a call time of 5:30 in the morning, the band members were able to hold a strong and positive attitude which of course kept the band and colorguard energized and prepared for the long and exhausting day that lied ahead.
The band had to perform their show in standstill because the field was still wet and muddy from the rain the day before. The band warmed up and went over the visuals, music, and counts. When it was time for showtime, the Fairfax Marching Lions marched their way to the field. While waiting for the band before Fairfax to finish their, the instructors Erik Estrada, Jeremy Evans, and Mark McDiffett took that time to give their last encouraging words to the anxious students. With their helpful words the band was ready to perform. The weather was really cold and the field was really muddy but that was no factor for the Lions.
As soon as the announcer said "Fairfax you may take the field in competition,” Mr. Vizcarra commanded the band into attention. "Pride!" the band replied and with that, they started marching on the field. Fairfax made a sharp right turn going down on the 50 yard line. Mr. V started going through the two lines. The two lines spread form each other and started forming an arc. The band was facing back field towards Mr. V while playing their warm up. When they finished, the band waited for Mr. V to go through the arc to face the audience. "Fairfax High School, the judges are ready........you may perform in competition," was announced and Mr. V called the band into attention and dress center. Then Mr. V started to conduct the band.
The band played their hearts out throughout the entire performance. The opener was exciting on the field as well as on the stands. The band seem to be having fun while playing their opener. The second song was the same with excitement only that the solo, played by Pedro Rodriguez, had strong emotion along with a smooth, jazzy touch to it. The drum break had the crowd cheering. The battery had fun playing their tune. The third song was more of a relaxing tune. The soloist Daniela Gitian played her solo with a clam and sweet sensation. , while the band faced back field and one of the drum major conducted the band. Now the closer was full with energy. They played soft in the beginning but slowly started to come up until they played with great power.
After the band played they marched off the field back to the truck. Mr. V was really proud about the standstill performance. He dismissed the band for they could go watch the other high schools play their show. Everyone was really nervous because they didn't know if they were finalist or not, but they waited patiently.
When it was time to announce the finalist, the whole band couldn't wait to hear if they got the position. All of a sudden Fairfax was announced as a finalist and the band started cheering really loud and happy. They couldn't believe that they were state finalist. They quickly went back to the truck to get lunch, change into their uniform, warm up, and stretch their legs to march their show. The excitement was so real that a few members were still really happy. With a few run-throughs of the show the band was ready perform their complete show.
The band was ready on the field. They played their music exactly the same but now marching, and not standstill. The band holding their horns straight up. Colorguard showing their big smiles and tossing their flags and rifles high in the air while dancing with the music. The battery playing their drums and showing off their tricks. A good combination for the Fairfax Marching Lions to show their pride and spirit. Throughout the whole performance the band were on top of their game. With every visual, every note of the music, every count in the dance routine, and every formation the band was able to bring a successful show.
After every finalist performed their show, it was time to announce the awards. Everyone was once again nervous and anxious to know what place they received. Finally the time has come for the division 1A bands to be awarded. The division 1A band leaders were lined up in a straight line waiting for their band to be called.
Fairfax received division 1A silver medals in the SCJA California State Championship. The band was so proud about their award that many members were speechless. It was a happy moment especially for Fairfax since it's their first year coming out in competitions.
