Parading through the scorching sun, Diamond Bar High School’s Thundering Herd, the school’s marching band, held its annual band camp this past summer. 

Camp started on July 29 and lasted until August 8, with the band meeting, Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. During those days, the band practiced inside the band building the first four hours, and marched the other four. 

“During band camp, we have sectionals, [which are] rehearsals with just your instrument section; full band rehearsal; and marching rehearsal, [where we] learn the basics of marching so that we are prepared for the school year.” Senior Kaitlyn Liu said.

This year’s incoming freshman class is the biggest the camp has ever welcomed, bringing hopes to integrate into the Thundering Herd. 

“[We hope] the new incoming freshmen will help continue the Thundering Herd’s legacy,” Liu said, “they are super energetic, while still being good students and respectful to everyone.”

During band camp, the underclassmen spent the most time adapting to their new music and learning to coordinate with each other while marching.

“One highlight [for me] was to learn all this new music and that our whole section felt very connected,” freshman Seth Tickenhoff said, “As an underclassmen myself, I try and help people that might be struggling a little bit.” 

The upperclassmen also wanted to make sure their underclassmen are well-adjusted and prepared for the upcoming year. To foster a welcoming environment, they offered help whenever they needed extra guidance in marching or playing their music.

“As upperclassmen, we helped out our underclassmen by making them feel included and part of our band community,” Liu said, “[A] highlight of my band camp was meeting all of the new students in the program and getting to know them better throughout the two weeks.”

Mrs. Santos and Mr. Acciani laid the groundwork for a strong marching band, by teaching the freshmen the basics of marching and by constructing a close bond between the students. 

Looking forward to another year, the students are setting their sights on future aspirations.

“[A few] goals for the upcoming year for the band are to continue to grow closer to our peers throughout the season, continue our sense of ‘relaxed professionalism,’ and win competitions throughout our season.” Liu said.