The Spirit of Cerritos: Meet Cerritos High's Brandy Salazar

Editor's Note: Patch will be posting musician profiles and features in anticipation of the  . 

In everything you do, it is important to have excellence, perseverance, dedication, teamwork and partnership. Being a senior at , there were many times when I just wanted to give up and quit, but in all those moments, I remembered that this was something I was really passionate about. Band taught me many things and helped me achieve more than I had ever dreamed of doing. Discovering something that you really love to do can have a huge impact on your life.

I started playing the clarinet when I was just a little girl in fourth grade, barely knowing how to hold the clarinet the right way. I didn’t really get into playing and thought it didn’t really matter if you played an instrument or not. It was just something to keep me busy and take up some of my spare time. 

As the years in band went by, I still didn’t really feel any different. It was just a little hobby that wouldn’t influence anything I did or the person I was. Then, the moment hit me, as a freshman I decided to continue with band and join in high school. As I progressed, I finally felt a real connection with music and band. I really enjoyed the thrill and excitement of performing for a crowd and treasured the sound of their cheers and the musical melodies of my fellow band mates. High school band made me feel like music was important and I felt like I was finally a part of something. I enjoyed being with my close friends, feeling like a family, each of us taking the responsibilities of performing at our best and enjoying what we do. It took me to a state of mind that was indescribable and glorifying.

As the years passed by, I continued to have perseverance and dedication to band by not giving up when times were tough and sticking with the program.  This was something I really wanted to do and I wasn’t just going to give up because of a little bump in the road. I practiced each day to improve and continue to have excellence. I wasn’t going to let the whole band down because I didn’t know my part. I love this program too much to just push it aside. 

Then, as I hit my junior year, I received the news that our Wind Symphony was invited to play at the 2011 New York International Music Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City. I was extremely stoked and I couldn’t believe that our band was that well known and had come so far. When we performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, my heart felt so warm and full of hope. Listening to the crowd clapping and watching the crowd stand up as they gave us a standing ovation, I then knew that anything was possible. A small band from a small city, achieving the ability to make it all the way to a grand hall in New York and receiving a gold award. That immense event made me feel confident with the things I do and caused me to never give up on my dreams, because you can go places if you give it your all.

The Wind Symphony has taught me that you should always continue to follow your heart and enjoy life doing the things you love to do. No matter how much work it takes, it’s all worth it because in the end the feeling of accomplishment overcomes everything.

I can’t believe we achieved so much, I’m so proud of our band and myself for never giving up and continuing the journey of achieving our goals. I’m at a loss for words of how far we’ve come. And as we advanced onto having the honor of performing at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, we will have the Spirit of Cerritos with us and will represent our city with pride and dignity. 

I am Brandy Salazar and I am the Spirit of Cerritos.

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Donor and Sponsorship Opportunities to Support the CHS Wind Symphony Still Available

Community members and local businesses are encouraged to donate funds toward this historic trip. Donor and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Fundraising Coordinator Leslie J. Machado at (562) 577-1802 or via email at lesliejmachado@gmail.com.