Marathon of Drums and Flags

On Friday, March 23, the Benicia High School campus will be bustling with action, and the sounds of percussion will be bouncing off the hills and campus buildings.  In addition, there will be a chance for the band program to help one of its own members.  

The Panther Band will be hosting the 9th Annual “Benicia Bay Winter Review”, which will showcase the Winterguard programs (Color Guard and percussion) of middle and high school performing groups from all over Northern California.  At least 30 groups are expected to compete, including Benicia Middle School's drumline. 

The community is welcome and encouraged to attend this lively family event, packed with routines every ten minutes in the high school gym, starting around 4:00pm.  There will be plenty of performances with interesting themes, which range from the beauty and drama of Color Guard, to the edginess of drumline.  

There will also be an especially poignant undertone to this year’s event.  The middle school Color Guard coach, Cara Hansen, is an accomplished graduate of the BMS and BHS band programs.  In eighth grade, she marched with the Benicia High School Panther Band in the 2005 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.  

Once in high school, Hansen shined as an amazing performer where she captivated audiences with her performances. For two years she was a BHS Color Guard Captain.  After graduating high school in 2009, Hansen continued to stay involved in the program by coaching the Benicia Middle School Color Guard.

On February 27 of this year, Hansen was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This unexpected diagnosis caused her to drop everything that was happening so she could focus on her treatment. She was forced to leave her coaching job at the middle school in the height of their winterguard season.  Now, close friends and past coaches have stepped in to finish the show. She is currently hospitalized at the UCSF Medical Center where she is undergoing strong treatment.  

This Friday at the Benicia Bay Winter Review, the band community will show their support by collecting monetary donations and sponsoring a raffle for Hansen. Donations and raffle information will be available at the ticket counter upon entrance to the event. 

Admission ticket prices are:  $10 general admission; students and seniors $5; children under 6 are free.  There will be souvenirs, food and beverages. At approximately 9:20pm, the BHS Color Guard and drumline, and the BMS Color Guard will perform their exhibition routine for the audience.  There will be something for everyone!  

This is not the typical concert or marching competition one usually sees from a high school band, so be prepared for yet another way to appreciate music.  All proceeds benefit the award winning Benicia High School music program.