Synchronized at annual football games under the iridescent lights, Marching Band strives to motivate cheerleaders, football players, and Paso Robles’ strong community. With their unique set lists, booming drums, and twirling flags, Band has continuously expanded the spirit of our school and its enrollment numbers into the community, bringing authenticity and plenty of noise to home football games.
In 2019, driven by the idea of searching for something beyond an ordinary job, Humberto Cera found himself destined to become the PRHS Band Director. With the passion and leadership, Cera has made it his priority to make this program efficiently run. With the help of the elementary band programs and junior high too, Cera found that more and more students were bound to engage with band with such programs for younger students.
“I think the growth is very positive; the students really helped push that. They see a group of 20 people doing something, it doesn’t matter what they’re doing or how simple it is, all of a sudden people ask themselves; What is that? What’s going on over there?” Cera said.
With a crew of 63 band members this year, has more scores than ever, creating a new era for the program. Trombones, flutes, clarinets, drumline and more now surround Cera each practice during Periods 2 and 3.
PRHS Color Guard, led by Instructors Emily Plale and Dominique Sides, could now join the class, leading to efficiency in performances and engagement with the band.
“Now that I have more students interested in band, the community is just asking us to do more and more things,” Cera said. With the annual competition in San Luis Obispo, Band has additionally been invited to participate in a new competition in Selma, on October 26, 2024.
Many students have grown their family and music alongside each other, viewing band very much like a family, improving their instrumental skills. The band’s 2021 marching season consisted of a small group, only 12 freshmen, now seniors, who have been through it all, one of which being Brennan Anderson. Anderson’s siblings had played in band for years, inspiring to join the band. Progressively improving, Anderson has noticed that band has moved into a broad audience and respect. This year, his younger brother Levi Anderson, has joined the band, creating a tradition among his siblings and new accomplishments.
“Ever since Humberto Cera started working as our Band Director, he has done a great job of getting the band to get a lot bigger, it’s been awesome,” Anderson said.
mackenna • Oct 1, 2024 at 6:30 pm
this was a great, you’re such a great writer