The Sandra Day O'Connor Eagle Pride Marching Band Class of 2025 senior portrait session was such a special experience! As an alum parent of the OC, it brought back so many amazing memories. My oldest was part of the Eagle Pride, playing mellophone, so I know firsthand what these incredible students put into their performances and how much heart they bring to the field each Friday night. So, getting to work with these talented seniors for their banners and portraits was a real honor for me. It feels like coming home!
Senior banners are a big deal to me — and to so many marching bands and families across Arizona! It’s about more than just a picture. It’s a way to honor these students and all they’ve put into their years with the band. On Friday nights, when they’re out there on the field, it’s not just a performance; it’s a culmination of hours and hours of dedication. They all work hard, and I believe every single one of them deserves to be recognized. That’s why I’m so passionate about bringing senior banners to marching bands all over Phoenix. These kids don’t just deserve recognition; they deserve something truly special.
The Sandra Day O'Connor Eagle Pride band is really something special, too, & a lot of that comes down to their extremely dedicated Booster parents and their dynamic director, Mr. Austin Cilone. Since he came on board, the energy in the band program has been electric. Both students & parents are thrilled to have him leading the way. He’s brought such a positive vibe, pushing the students to reach new heights while making the experience so rewarding and fun. You can feel that sense of excitement in every rehearsal, every game, every performance.
For their senior banners, I wanted to make sure each student felt truly celebrated. I take a lot of pride in creating unique, custom-made banners for marching bands, and it’s so important to me that these banners aren’t just cookie-cutter templates. Each banner I create is one of a kind, designed to showcase the theme of the show, the personality of the student, and the energy of the band. I want every student to look at their banner and feel like it’s a personal tribute to them and their journey with Eagle Pride.
Think of these banners like movie posters! Just as a poster captures the essence of a film, these banners capture the essence of the student and their journey in band. It’s bold, it’s eye-catching, and it’s a little larger than life — exactly like they deserve! We put a lot of thought into choosing backgrounds, colors, and elements that bring out the theme of this year’s show and the spirit of each senior. That way, when they walk onto the field and see their banner, they know it’s not something they’d see at any other school. It’s theirs and theirs alone.
Seeing these kids smile when they first see their banner is the best part of it all. It’s that moment when they realize all the hours, rehearsals, and dedication have been recognized. It’s not just about the banner; it’s about everything that banner represents. Senior year in band is such a defining time. It’s about camaraderie, leadership, and achieving something amazing together. These students have created lifelong memories with Eagle Pride, and their banners are a piece of that memory they get to take with them.
If you’re a marching band director or a parent, you know how important it is to make every senior feel celebrated, especially in a program as close-knit as band. Senior banners are more than just photos. They’re a lasting memory of the time spent on the field, the friendships formed, and the achievements made. And that’s why I pour so much effort into making each one perfect.
