The Saint Louis University (SLU) Marching Band emerged as overall champion of “Pagalingan 2024: The Marching Band Competition” held at the San Diego De Alcala Parish in Polo, Valenzuela on 12 November 2024.
Aside from securing the top spot, SLU Marching Band also won special awards such as Best Color Guards, Best Group Majorette, and Best Uniform.
The marching band performed two main drills that took place in three judging stations. First, they executed a two-minute fancy drill with forward-marching formations, dance moves, and a musical rendition of “Stadium Jams 4”. Afterwards, they performed a five-minute exhibition drill that included a three-minute band exhibition and two-minute color guard and majorette showcase to renditions of “El Tigre” and “Children of Sanchez.”
The SLU Marching Band delegation included 40 instrumentalists, 1 band major, 10 color guards, 10 majorettes, 10 band reserves, 3 alumni, and 1 bandmaster.
“We are overwhelmed,” said SLU Marching Band Trainor Ms. Marivic B. Macadaeg on the awards. “We thank God and the administration for supporting us. Our hard work has paid off,” she added.
Pagalingan 2024 is an event under the celebration of the 400th Founding Anniversary of the San Diego de Alcala Parish, anchored on the theme, “400 Taong Pagpapala ng Diyos sa Parokya ng San Diego de Alcala: Sambayanang Naglalakbay na Magkakaagapay.” The competition featured bands from different municipalities, including the SLU Marching Band representing Baguio City.
The outstanding performance of the SLU Marching Band at the competition showcased the rich artistry of the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA). The dedication to their craft and drive to showcase their talent to other communities reflects SLU’s commitment to cultivating artistic talent and going beyond excellence even outside of the university. (Article by Katrina Garcia, UIO Intern | Photos by Agnes Dela Pena, UIO Intern)
View the full performance here: https://youtu.be/Nn7s9BoWkTI?si=NmOdYjEJZY16YWzp
