Being in a marching band is no easy feat, but learning to lead one as a Drum Major is almost impossible; you have got to keep a whole group of people playing music and stepping in time with it, all in sync with one another for shows that can last upwards of ten minutes. But in spite of that, one senior chose to helm the role of Drum Major and led the band in their field show, “Dark Reign,” to undeniable success this past season. His name: Edgar Chacon, Head Drum Major of the Claremont High School Marching Band and now one of the two Homecoming Royals for 2023.
Despite his priority in leading marching band field shows, Chacon’s Interests branch out into completely different fields. He (naturally) loves music and composes a bit himself, but admits that his favorite music comes from The Killers and The Smiths. He competes for the CHS Track and Field team in shotput and discus, and is a three-year member of the Asian Student Alliance. In general, he just loves sports and enjoys playing and watching basketball and football in his free time.
Chacon will be leaving much of that along with CHS at the end of this year, but that does not mean he will forget his time here and the great memories he made.
“One of my favorite memories was last year’s prom,” Chacon said of his top high school experiences. “I had such a great time with all my friends and I think it truly encapsulated the fantasy and fun that comes with high school. My other favorite memory would be my last band competition of my junior year. This competition really stuck with me because it was an early mark that my senior friends in their band were going to be leaving soon. I really cherished that day.”
That connection to friends and socialization is, in fact, what Chacon attributes most to his success in being on Homecoming Court. “I was a little surprised but not too surprised at the same time,” Chacon said. “I had that initial surprise of “Wow, people actually voted for me”, but I feel a little less surprised because I have a lot of supportive circle of friends.”
Having had such a fruitful high school experience both academically and socially, Chacon has some great tips for anyone getting newly acquainted with CHS.
“My biggest advice is to LEARN HOW TO STUDY. I cannot emphasize enough how humbling it is when you start reaching more advanced classes without knowing how to study correctly. Creating habits early on makes the rest of high school so much easier. I would also recommend checking out many clubs at the start of the year because you might just find something that sticks or resonates with you.”
It is clear that Chacon will be leaving a lot when he graduates, but he is not worried about what he will miss in a few months. Right now, he is focused on being a Homecoming Court finalist and doing it alongside some of his favorite people.
“Two big shout-outs go out to Lilli Eddison and Martina Petrocelly. Lilli has been an absolute star throughout this process; all the funny and creative posters and edits you have seen were created by her,” Chacon said. “I would not have been where I am on court without her. Martina was also a great support and helped push my name out for court.”
