Written by Camilla Torres, Staff Writer
Starting in July, Poly band and color guard have consistently met high standards in their competitions, earning multiple awards.
Rite of Spring is an orchestral and classical piece by Igor Stravinsky, written in 1913. This year, it is also the name of the Riverside Poly Band and Color Guard show for the 2026-2027 season. It takes inspiration from the original play, by displaying similar rituals to bring about a bountiful harvest. It also includes representations of deers and butterflies, along with a maypole being brought out near the end of the show.
In their most recent competitions, they have been scoring around an average of 74 points, earning them high rankings at their competitions at the 5AA Division under the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). Last year they ended the season with a score of 92, leaving high expectations for this season.
However, baritone Micah Macgregor emphasized that their work is not done yet, as “even though we placed high, we still need to improve, especially because we don’t have our closer yet. But it also means we have a lot of success under our belt and a lot more to come,” highlighting the determination of the band and its players.
The band and color guard have been perfecting their show since July where they practiced for nearly eight hours a day during a summer practice known as band camp. During these practices, Victoria Scott, who plays the tenor saxophone described that they usually do routine basics in groups before rehearsing the entire show for the rest of the evening.
Throughout the school year they practice multiple hours during the week, with twelve hour practices on the weekends from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. Ember Slota-McGurn, who plays the alto-saxophone, pointed out, her fellow band members have been “seeing the need to grow and have become amazing people through the band.”
When asked what makes their show unique, color guard sophomore Sydney DuRocher replied that at the end of their show they sacrifice someone, following with the original play. At the end of the play a young person sacrifices themselves to appease the god of spring and bring about a plentiful harvest.
The original play is meant to portray the early Slavic tribes of Russia, and was considered revolutionary for its contemporary style of ballet with sharp jagged movements from the dancers and concurrent music.
However, at the first premiere, it was so controversial it started a riot in the audience from those who praised it and those who condemned it. It is said that the yelling was so loud that the actors could barely hear the orchestra play during the show.
As many experts note though, the Rite of Spring still influences music to this day with its style of composition. Throughout the play, there is one idea that is highlighted: the mystery and great surge of the creative power of Spring. With the season coming to an end and championships near on November 21st, the Poly Band and Color Guard are wished the best of luck at their final competition!