DANCE TEAM
With 33 National Awards under their belt, Dance Team puts in hours of work to prepare routines to become stage ready. When they aren’t practicing, Dance Team officers help coordinate bonding activities to build connections within the team on and off the stage. Captains help run stretches, take on responsibilities to help prepare for performances, lead dances and relay information from their coaches. “When others are struggling or need help, a leader should be able to go up to them in their own accord to offer their help. They get the team in the right headspace and on task. For me, I FaceTime call the freshmen to go over new choreography or I help them during lunch,” Dance Team captain senior Callie Chen said. “[Our team] genuinely feels like a big family. We call each other sisters, [and] we truly do dance for [each other] because we all love each other.”
CHOIR
The Choir program gained both a new director and choreographer this year, which has entailed members to remain flexible to the style of direction. Leaders foster active communication with their members and offer their guidance. Choir leaders’ roles go beyond preparations for performances, but also creating a support system and safe space for members in the program. “We did overcome a lot of new things this year, so it’s important being able to reassure them, tell them that everything will be okay and I’ll advocate for them no matter what,” Choir president senior Kathryn Montoya said. “I enjoy uplifting people. I think it’s nice to see people grow from being really quiet to being confident by the end of the year.”
DRAMA
Preparations underway for the upcoming fall play “Peter and the Starcatcher,” has kept the Drama class busy. With leaders having other commitments to the Drama program such as after school rehearsals and juggling academics, time management is required with the role. Besides official roles, leaders hold meetings to discuss how to outreach and make the class a more welcoming place. “Drama can be a place for encouraging creativity and building confidence. It is a great way to discover more of yourself and overcome your fears,” Drama president senior Zaila Johnson said. “We want to have more previews for [Drama] so more people will want to [watch] our shows and even join our shows. In the future, we want to do Drama workshops for middle schools and even kids at WHS to get them to want to join.”
MARCHING BAND
Blue Thunder Marching Band has a musical ensemble of over 180 students, requiring leaders to keep members on task as every instrument plays an important role in the performance. Recently, the program adjusted to having a new percussion and visuals instructor. The official role of a drum major is to conduct the band and give tempo cues, but also take initiative to keep a welcoming environment off the field. “For some, the music community is the only place on campus where they feel welcomed and comfortable. I see it as a huge responsibility to ensure that our program is able to maintain these conditions for our members,” Head Drum Major senior Jaden Diep said. “As a leader, it is extremely rewarding to be able to see people grow and become better musicians and people in general as a result of your own efforts. We are known for always striving to have fun and create a memorable experience for all those involved.” Ω
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Jazz Band, Symphonic Orchestra and Marching Band leaders are in charge of assisting their directors for any upcoming music events and offer their suggestions toward their respective programs at music council meetings. Music council also takes initiative to prepare their fellow program members in hectic performance weeks. “To me, being a leader means offering support to the members of my team, while also helping them make the right decisions. In this position, being a leader means helping my fellow music council members with anything they might need, and also making sure that all tasks get done,” Instrumental Music president junior Ava Waggoner said. “I want to be able to take stress away from someone who might be overwhelmed, as I know what that can feel like. Overall, I just want to make everything in the music department run as smoothly as possible, for both the students and the directors.“
COLOR GUARD
Color Guard polishes choreography as coordination is key in routines. Captains take initiative in helping run practice and taking over in the absence of a section leader. To new members that have not spun or performed before, the process can be daunting. Program leaders offer their support and guidance to new members that may need extra help. “We’re all like family, [our team members] are not all exactly the same, but I like that we can really relate to each other on another level. [We have] a deeper understanding of balancing out academics with your Color Guard life, trying not to clash them with one another. If they do clash, there needs to be some sort of communication or break,” Color Guard captain senior Amanda Chan said.
SIDELINE CHEER
At majority of sporting events, it is no unfamiliar sight to see Walnut’s Sideline Cheer team with their pom poms and high ponytails hyping up the student section. Behind the scenes, it is important for captains to help foster team chemistry as how members interact plays a huge role in cheering. “Being a leader means taking responsibility for mistakes and leading by example. I apply that by making sure I’m always on my A game and helping the girls in any way needed,” Varsity Sideline Cheer captain senior Madison Gutierrez said. “As a captain, I hope to always help my teammates grow and enjoy cheer. I want them to find their passion and always strive [to do their best].”
