2020 Senior Spotlight
Ethan Gutierrez
Ontario High School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 2
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : I was the head drum major for my senior year, principal concert band conductor, orchestral piano accompanist, and core pianist for the jazz band.
What are your post-high school plans? : My plans are to go to college and major in composition and theory so that I can work as a film scorer, conductor, and educator.
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : I'm a huge nerd for anime and I want to travel through Europe someday (hopefully as a performer).
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : I love exploring nature and even considered being a geologist at one point.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : My first marching band competition was as a synth player in player in pit. It was actually my junior year, because up until then I had not really considered doing music professionally. However, being in band definitely shifted my mindset. I also learned that I hate pushing synth carts up ramps, like the ramp at Canyon Springs. Shout out to Canyon Springs for being good hosts though.
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : My favorite memory as a drum major was definitely the bus ride back after we got first place at Golden State. The competition was pretty stacked and people within our band were pretty worried. But the ride back was filled with laughter, joy, and we even sang the whole show as a bus on the way back to our school.
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : Being a drum major taught me leadership. For example, I can't expect a band to conduct their rehearsals and play at a high standard if I don't execute my job at a high standard. Similar to life, if you're a leader in any situation you must practice what you preach and hold yourself to excellence if that's what you desire from your group.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: When you're conducting the band, they are a reflection of you. If you conduct lazy, the band plays lazy. If you conduct with a purpose, the band plays with a purpose. Even if it's the 50th run of the day, act like it's the last one you'll ever do and give it all you got.
Vincent Rodriguez
Santiago High School (GG)
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 4
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : At my music program, I am the Instrumental Music President, tuba section leader, and Parade Drum Major.
What are your post-high school plans? : After high school I plan on going to Cal State Fullerton as a Music Major in hopes to become a band director for a high school. However, during the summer I hope to be a coach for drum majors and/or other marching bands near me.
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : I have been to Okinawa, Japan, San Francisco, Oceanside and lived between cities in Orange County. My dad is a retired Marine and that allowed me to go around the world and around the state to get to know a lot of people and have many different experiences. For a long time I thought I wanted to be a Marine just like my dad, until I went to Santiago and wanted to become a band director, which was inspired by my band director, Mr. Lam.
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : I actually wanted to be an archaeologist just like Indiana Jones. I still love history and I try to keep learning and helping out my sister and other family members. I also really like baseball, and has been my favorite sport since I was a kid.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : My first competition was at the Covina Band Review. It was my junior year and Mr. Lam asked me to do it almost like an audition for my senior year. I practiced all week, doing run throughs on the track over and over. Moving to the day of the parade, if you know the warm-up area, its in complete darkness, and I did my run through in the dark and I knew it was going to be one of my best run throughs. On the competition line, I didn't feel alone, I felt my family and the company of our school's drill team spinning with me. It was one of the happiest moments I lived through and wouldn't trade it for the world, even if I didn't place.
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : I have a lot of happy moments being a band member, but one of the best ones was this year during Christmas time. My council and I had an idea of having a Christmas party to celebrate the end of our marching band season. We have a tradition of doing secret Santa gift exchange, and so when we were opening and passing out gifts, we got to our band director. His Secret Santa was a pit member that wrote him a letter and got him a Drum Major Mickey Mouse. It sounds odd, but it was the most heartwarming thing I have seen. Seeing the tears come out of her eyes made me tear up and I think the rest of the band to tear up. It's my favorite memory as a band member and a leader because it was a special moment for her and for Mr. Lam that experienced them together with the whole band.
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : Being a drum major has made a difference in my life because it opened me to a whole other world of people I never thought I would meet. I have been searching for a place to belong whether in sports in my own band, but when I joined the DMSC circuit, I found the place where I belonged, a sense of community. Every time I go to a competition, it might be competitions but I look forward to seeing everyone every weekend putting there 100% on the line and on the podium. Not only that, it has taught me to be the kindest person to be to anyone, and to be the best leader I can be with my own band and with my future endeavors.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: My advice to future drum majors is that it's not about the trophies or the medals or the fact that you have the power over your band, being a drum major is to try to inspire at least one person in your life, in and out of band, to be the very best person they can be all while being the best leader you can be.
Jayson Antonio
John F. Kennedy High School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 4
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : Head Drum Major, Band President, Band Historian
What are your post-high school plans? : I plan on going to a Junior college to finish my GE's and then transfer to Cal State Long Beach to take up Nursing. While doing so I hope to apply as a Photopass Photographer at Disneyland.
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : I volunteer at St. Jude Medical Center every Sunday since 2017. I answer patient phones, restock gloves and gowns, and discharge patients to their care.
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : If you didn't know already, I enjoy being a photographer. I am the head photographer for my school's yearbook and have photographed many school events from football games to school assemblies. I also book photoshoots for a handful of events such as birthdays, graduation, and for anyone who just wants/needs photos of themselves.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : It was my freshman year and I thought that the other trainees would also be competing with me but it turned out I was the only Kennedy trainee who signed up so that didn't help the nerves. But all I did was breathe and closed my eyes while waiting for the flag to wave. Once it did, I did my routine and marched down the I. Once it was over, it was such a nice feeling seeing all of your friends at the end of the I that came to salute you!
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : My favorite memory was at 2019 SCSBOA 6A Champs and we were lining up for the field retreat. Trying to organize 12 6A bands in a tiny parking lot was not easy but was somehow the best part of the day. We were next to Arcadia and someone in both bands made a bridge for the other schools to go under. Soon the bridge went down the entire line of 200 people and entire schools went through and people started to cheer on other groups and started high fiving everyone. No one cared about the competition and was just being friendly to the other schools and showing what marching band culture is all about.
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : Being a drum major has gotten me out of my comfort zone and beyond. Being in such a position makes it so you have to do things, even if you aren't comfortable or used to doing it. It has also taught me that you can't please everyone and you have to just deal with it. Being an assistant drum major as a sophomore, many of the upperclassmen didn't listen to you and some made fun of you but you can't let that affect how you lead the band. You need to show that you can lead them and show why they should trust you.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: Enjoy the time you have with friends and family and be grateful for everything that has happened to you because you never know when it can get taken away from you... also stay positive! :)
Cassandra Jimenez
Bellflower High School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 4
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : My positions in the Bellflower Buccaneer Brigade are Assistant Drum Major, Band Council Vice President, & flute section leader.
What are your post-high school plans? : My post-high school plans are to attend cerritos community college and hopefully transfer to my UC school of choice. I plan to major in Nursing.
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : Something my fellow drum majors may not know about me is that I love dogs. If it were possible I would own all the dogs in the world. My favorite breed of dogs is a french bulldogs, or frenchies, but truly, i love them all.
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : One of my passions outside of music and being a drum major includes reading. I have always enjoyed relaxing and reading a good book. Another interest of mine is makeup. I enjoy taking time out of my day to sit down and do my makeup as colorful as possible.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : The most memorable first competitive experience was actually at the Placentia Band Review in October of 2019. It was my first ever competition on the street. I remember feeling so empowered because in that moment all the mattered was getting my band across that competitive area. It no longer became about me, what mattered most at that time was doing right by my fellow band members.
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : My favorite memory as a band member was my freshman year at the end of a long day of competing at the Arcadia Band Review and our field championships. Right before awards we all went back and did our ritual, senior circle. That group of seniors were especially memorable and they have taught me so much, we all survived a long day and did our very best despite out jam packed schedule. It was also the last time we played my favorite field show as well.
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : Being drum major has made such a drastic change in the person I am. It’s taught me more about leadership and confidence and truly about myself than I can even imagine.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: A little piece of advice I would like to pass on to future generations of drum majors is let yourself enjoy the time you have. It feels like in the blink of an eye all the time you thought you had is suddenly gone. Live in the moment, enjoy those runs despite any imperfections because you did that. You accomplished amazing things, things not all people have the dedication to do, but you did it.
Zoelli Ortiz
Warren High School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 3
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : I am the alto sax section leader in my school's marching band and principal oboist in Wind Ensemble.
What are your post-high school plans? : I am going to UC Irvine and majoring in Bio!
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : I competed in DMSC all through middle school and was the drum major at Stauffer! I stopped spinning throughout high school but decided to give it one last go my senior year.
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : I really like baking! I also like listening to music and spending time with my friends.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : I remember my first DMSC competition so clearly. I was in 6th grade and super new to spinning. I got a pretty low score, but I managed to stay in step and I was really proud of that. My first parade competition in middle school was so scary! I was only in 7th grade and our head drum major got removed from their position (oops) and I had to step up last minute. I think I did o k. My first field performance was a blur, but I distinctly remember feeling like I was going to throw up Alls well that ends well.
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : Other Stauffer drum majors and I went to Alvarado to have a joint practice with their drum majors and I remember Brian taking us to a boba shop nearby. I miss those drum majors!! Very fun times.
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : Being a drum major has taught me self discipline above all else. I learned how to have command presence without being tyrannical. These skills have translated into my high school career so smoothly and has really helped me get to the place I am today.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: Always persevere no matter how hard things may get. You are indeed going to make mistakes and you're not going to be perfect every single time. It's what you do with those mistakes that matter. Always take the advice you're given with an open mind. Most importantly, have fun with it! When you're enjoying yourself, you grow not only as a marcher/spinner/conductor but as a person as well.
Shannon Moore
Foothill High School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 1
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : I'm the assistant drum major and percussion section leader.
What are your post-high school plans? : I'm going to Riverside City College in the fall and I plan to transfer to a four year after I complete my GED's. Eventually, I'd like to become a high school or college band director.
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : I've played the piano since I was 6, drum set since I was 7, bass guitar since I was 13, trumpet since I was 16, alto saxophone since I was 17, and tons of percussion instruments since middle school. My family is full of musicians and music has always come naturally for me.
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : Although most of my interests revolve around music, I'm extremely passionate about Journalism. I've been a writer and page editor for my school newspaper since I was a freshman and I'm currently the Editor-in-Chief. I'd like to minor in Journalism in college, but my main focus remains music.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : My first competition was the 2019 Baldwin Park parade. Because I'm the assistant drum major and not the head, I normally wouldn't have any competitions because I'm a senior. However, due to certain SCSBOA rules and the kindness of my head drum major, I got to compete in one parade this marching season. It was extremely exhilarating and I'll never forget the feeling of standing on that line with the competition about to start. I received first place open class drum major in that competition and it's one of my proudest moments as a band member at Foothill.
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : This entire school year has been amazing as a band member. Every football game, parade, and performance just felt surreal and I made tons of memories that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. If I had to pick one memory, it would be the Baldwin Park parade, but a close second would be our first football game against our rival high school, where we beat them for the first time since my freshman year.
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : Being a drum major has made a difference in my life in so many ways. It taught me how to be a leader, but also to show compassion for your peers. I've become much more patient and understanding. Most of all, being a drum major taught me self-discipline and how to strive towards both my personal goals and goals for the band.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: Being a drum major means being a leader in more ways than one. Be a role model towards your peers, think before you act, and most of all, be compassionate.
Chelsea Leyva
Loara High School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 3
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : I am my school’s head drum major, parade drum major, and Flute section leader.
What are your post-high school plans? : Once I graduate high school my plans are to go to CSULA and get my Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Some years later I would love to get my Masters degree and become a nurse practitioner. I really want to become a neonatal nurse practitioner because I love babies so much and want to do my best to help them. After high school I don’t think I will pursue studying music, but I definitely want to keep it as a hobby.
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : One thing my drum majors probably don’t know about me is that I love to roller skate. I try to go roller skating as much as possible with my friends. For Christmas I even got my own pair of pink roller skates. I tried to convince Rocky to have a DMSC competition on skates but that has not happened so far.
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : Since I was in the 6th grade I began volunteering in kindergarten classes helping out in any way I can such as cleaning desks to reading to kids. Other than band and drum major this is a big passion of mine. I love to go and help out in the classrooms and play with the kids. They are so fun to be around and having conversations with them is just the best. The past 6 years of volunteering have really been so much fun. I definitely want to keep helping out in elementary schools once I graduate from high school.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : My very first DMSC competition was such a big moment in my life. I joined my freshman year but quit after thinking I wasn’t really cut for it. Thankfully in my sophomore year my friends encouraged me to join and try it out again. I was so scared and nervous, I remember my knees shaking right before the flag waved. The performance itself I don’t remember so much since it went by so fast, but it was afterwards that really moved me. After I saluted my other fellow drum majors they all engulfed me in a group hug, high fiving me telling me that I did a good job. Some of my friends even went to my competition to support me. The whole experience made me realize that I wanted to continue competing and try to become my school's drum major.
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : My favorite memory of the band has to be the 4th period performance of Angeles in the Architecture my sophomore year. The band spent so much time on that piece; in each rehearsal everyone was so focused and engaged. When we performed there was so much energy on stage, we all wanted our hard work to pay off and create something unforgettable. At the end of the piece when light overcame darkness with those big chords, I felt so happy and relieved. The moment was just so perfect and the sound was so rich, I remember I got goosebumps. Even though not everyone in the band was friends or close with one another, at the moment we were all connected and we all helped one another achieve our goal. After the performance I remember I got in the car with my mom and just started sobbing, because I knew that nothing in my high school career could ever top what the band and I did on stage.
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : Yes, it definitely has. I’ve always been pretty quiet and shy around the band mostly because they intimidated me. The upperclassmen made me nervous and I never really had many friends. From my freshman year to my junior year, I tried to avoid all confrontation in the band; if someone yelled at me I would take it, I wouldn’t call anyone out, I tried to be invisible. However once I got the head drum major position my senior year I knew that I had to change. Thankfully since I was a senior, there weren’t any other upperclassmen that intimidated me anymore which helped a lot. I started to speak out more and socialize more with the band through bonding events and during rehearsals. I was no longer the shy and invisible freshman, I made it clear that I had a voice and would use it. In the end, becoming the head drum major of my band has changed me for the better. My leadership and communication skills have developed greatly and so has my self confidence.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: Don’t take things personally. Whether it be from the band, instructors, band director, or even your friends don’t take everything they say personally. The moment you become drum major your position in the band changes, you’re no longer just another band member. There’s always going to be people in band that dislike or say bad things about the drum major, regardless of who that person is! So don’t take what they say personally, they dislike the position not the person. And if your band director or instructors get mad at you, it’s not the end of the world. Keep in mind they have a lot on their plate as well so their temper might be short sometimes. Once you start to not take things personally as a drum major, the whole experience will be a lot more fun. Don’t worry too much about the small things you can’t control, such as people’s opinions or tempers, but focus on things you can control such as your conducting and/or spinning. And if you’re a Loara drum major, remember: you can always rant to Rocky!
Raymiro Gomez-Galiano
Palmdale High School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 2
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : I have been Drum Major since I was a sophomore and Flute section leader!
What are your post-high school plans? : I will attend the University of Southern California as a Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change (Pre-Law) major!
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : One thing that most of my fellow drum majors do not know about me is that I never had a solid routine. Every time I would compete, I would wing it and improvise as I walked down the I. This wasn't just for DMSC but for my other parade competitions. I never to this day had a solid opening routine or solute routine!
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : I am a huge immigrant rights advocate outside of school! I am involved in various advocacy organizations in the LA region such as CHIRLA, the California Dream Network, and Wise-Up! I also love to dance even though I am not good at it! I like to vogue and sissy that walk here and then and hope to someday become a drag queen haha!
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : I was so so so so so so scared! I remember watching so many videos the night before my first DMSC competition and barely being able to sleep. I saw everyone as celebrities! I was intimidated by everyone but the environment allowed me to open up and meet new people and friends that I still hold today!
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : My first competition was at Temple City as a freshman! I was the underdog in this story and no one really believed in me. I stepped in for my Drum Major because she was at a college audition. I ended up doing the most basic routine and took 1st that day!
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : It has allowed me to have a new perspective on life. The leadership in a Drum Major has taught me so much and allowed me to grow a network of connections for the real world. It has allowed me to have an open mind and find solutions instead of complaints and wonder. I feel better prepared for the next few years in my life!
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: Do onto others what you would like have done to you! Being a drum major is much more than twirling a stick or flapping your hands! It is an experience not many are able to take! If I could go back and tell my young drum major self anything, it would be... You have nothing to lose other than money if you break the school's mace! No pressure!
Katelyn Mczeal
Palmdale high School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 2
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : Trombone section leader
Assistant Drum Major
What are your post-high school plans? : I will be attending Academy of Art University. Where I will be studying music and the business side of it and then later on open my own music school.
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : That he is one of the few people that inspire me.
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : I like to Dance, travel, rock climb, Act, songwriting,etc.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : I was very nervous, because when competing no one is there doing the routine with you. You'll have a lot of supporters and friends to stand by you, but it's your routine that you created and that you worked hard on, and then you go up there and now all eyes are on you, this is your moment. To have that sort of rush was really fun and I wouldn't trade that experience for Anything.
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : Competing with each of the other members of the band and watching the other competitors are the best memories that I have in band.
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : It has helped me gain more confidence, and because of this experience and more, and I can now share what I have learned among others.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: Be confident and have fun! Communicate with other competitors, because chances are they are feeling the same way you are. Share thoughts, gain a bond, and encourage each other. Build a great support system for yourself.
Dominic Portugal
Cypress High School
How many seasons have you competed with DMSC?: 2
What is your leadership position(s) in your music program? : Parade Drum Major 2018-2019 and 2019-2020
What are your post-high school plans? : After high school, I plan to attend both Cypress and Fullerton college. I will be doing my general education at Cypress college, and at Fullerton college I will be taking music theory and jazz. After 2 years, I plan to transfer to Cal State Fullerton and study music and business. I hope to one day become a professional musician.
What is something your fellow drum major may not know about you? : Something that my fellow drum majors and competitors may not know about me is that I am the first drum major from Cypress High School to compete in DMSC. Another thing that only a few of my friends know is that I like boba...........like a lot. The last thing that some people wouldn’t know about me is that I was part of Kennedy’s band for 1 day! I wasn’t really a part of their band but it’s a short funny story and I’ll gladly tell you that story if you ask me.
What are your interests/passions outside of music and being a drum major? : Some of my interests outside DMSC would definitely be practicing/ playing alto, hanging out with my friends, meeting new people, traveling to new places, and trying new boba spots.
Describe your first competition experience (DMSC, parade, or field). : The first time I competed in DMSC was Saturday February 2nd. It was a stationary run inside the band room because it was a rainy day. I felt somewhat prepared yet I was scared and nervous. I wasn’t scared because I was afraid of messing up or dropping, but I was in a new environment with new people I haven’t met yet. Before my run, my dad helped me warm up and played my music for me as I practiced. When I got to the starting tape, I was ready and once that flag waved I was in full competition mode and I did my very best. The run in the moment was exhilarating and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. After my run, people that I haven't met yet came up to me and saluted me. I felt so happy that they acknowledged me, and after that, I became friends with them and made more friends within the DMSC community.
What is your favorite memory as a drum major/band member? : I have a lot of fun memories from band but my favorite ones will always be when “the cool altos” would go to In-n-out. After any Friday event, big or small, whether it was a football game, band review, or field competition, some of the altos from our section would go to In-n-out afterwards. We would always sit at the same table and after everyone got their food, we would tell the funniest and craziest stories. Sometimes we were there until 1:00 or even 2:00 AM! If you’re ever curious, just ask me about “The In-n-out Stories.”
How has being a drum major made a difference in your life/ changed who you are? : Being drum major has changed me for the better. Before I ever became drum major, I was a super shy kid that would usually only talk to people if they came up to me first. After earning the title of drum major, I was forced to break out of this shell I trapped myself in for so long. Slowly but surely, I began to be more confident, assertive, and less scared of being on the spotlight. That was just how being drum major impacted me but DMSC impacted me even more. Because I joined DMSC, I was able to make a lot of friends that I don’t think I would have met beforehand. I try to talk to all my DMSC friends as often as I can but there are 2 friends I made from DMSC that have helped me through so much, those friends are Savannah and Benji. They have helped me through so many obstacles big and small and I’m so so so thankful for them. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be the competitor or even person I am today. If you are reading this, thank you for being a big part of my life Banjo and Savannah, you guys mean the world to me.
What advice would you like to pass on to future generations of drum major?: Some advice I want to give to my fellow drum majors and competitors would be to focus on the whole band, not just yourself or your friends and know that not everyone is going to like you even if you do what’s right. If I could give any other advice, it would be to never give up, on anyone or anything. Be forgiving. Be forgiving to others because you may not know their whole story and you should try to be empathetic for them. Lastly I want to tell everyone to “Leave your drops in the past.” That doesn’t just apply to spinning. If you “drop” in life, you just have to pick yourself up and keep going, just like in a competition.