Café Kickback
By Brandy Siegal ‘26
Edited by Andrea Palma ‘28
On Saturday, February 22nd, many Chaminade Eagles gathered in the Bob Hope Center for our Café Kickback. Hosted by Student Council, they unrecognizably transformed the cafeteria. With dimmed lights, tables, and a stage, it felt as if one was at an open mic night at their local coffee house. Bringing together an energetic crowd, creativity was high, laughter filled the breaks between sets, and there was so much support for each performance. This was a great space for students to express themselves as the atmosphere was electric, applause was enthusiastic, and performances ranged from comedy to singalongs to dances. Whether one was performing, or enjoying the show, the vibe was nothing short of contagious.
This event was a fantastic opportunity for students to be themselves, show their talents, and feel the community we have here at Chaminade. The evening kicked off with open mic performances. Whether everyone was laughing at Vincent DiVitale’s ‘27 stand-up comedy routine or singing along with Abby Weinstein ‘26 and Maya Billik ‘26 to the Greatest Showman’s “A Million Dreams,” there was never a dull moment. In between performances, there were plenty of snacks in the back to enjoy - ranging from root beer floats to iced coffee. Creating a cozy atmosphere, everyone felt welcome and brought the community together. However, following all the incredible performances, the night ended with karaoke (arguably the most enjoyable part)! Students sang their hearts out; everyone felt comfortable and enjoyed the presence of others. And we can’t forget the famous iPad raffle going to Ruari Devlin ‘26 at the end of the night!
Whether you were a performer, karaoke singer, lucky winner, or music lover, Chaminade’s Café Kickback was an unforgettable experience for all!
By Brandy Siegal ‘26
Edited by Andrea Palma ‘28
On Saturday, February 22nd, many Chaminade Eagles gathered in the Bob Hope Center for our Café Kickback. Hosted by Student Council, they unrecognizably transformed the cafeteria. With dimmed lights, tables, and a stage, it felt as if one was at an open mic night at their local coffee house. Bringing together an energetic crowd, creativity was high, laughter filled the breaks between sets, and there was so much support for each performance. This was a great space for students to express themselves as the atmosphere was electric, applause was enthusiastic, and performances ranged from comedy to singalongs to dances. Whether one was performing, or enjoying the show, the vibe was nothing short of contagious.
This event was a fantastic opportunity for students to be themselves, show their talents, and feel the community we have here at Chaminade. The evening kicked off with open mic performances. Whether everyone was laughing at Vincent DiVitale’s ‘27 stand-up comedy routine or singing along with Abby Weinstein ‘26 and Maya Billik ‘26 to the Greatest Showman’s “A Million Dreams,” there was never a dull moment. In between performances, there were plenty of snacks in the back to enjoy - ranging from root beer floats to iced coffee. Creating a cozy atmosphere, everyone felt welcome and brought the community together. However, following all the incredible performances, the night ended with karaoke (arguably the most enjoyable part)! Students sang their hearts out; everyone felt comfortable and enjoyed the presence of others. And we can’t forget the famous iPad raffle going to Ruari Devlin ‘26 at the end of the night!
Whether you were a performer, karaoke singer, lucky winner, or music lover, Chaminade’s Café Kickback was an unforgettable experience for all!
Black History Month Diversity Events
By Dylan Moen ‘25
Edited by Claire Molnar ‘26
Last week, The Chaminade Diversity Team held two events for Black History Month. They kicked off the celebration with the Finish the Lyrics Event and ended the week with the Step Show Event.
The Finish the Lyrics event was reminiscent of past Diversity events, like Family Feud, which included special guest Steve Harvey. This time, the event was mainly focused on African American songs and culture. This event had 5 teams who had to answer challenging questions while competing for prizes. After a valiant battle, Team One emerged victorious with only a one-hundred-point difference from Team Two.
The Step Show Event consisted of a presentation as well as a group demonstration that included a “How-to-Step” segment. The presentation talked about the origins of stepping and historically Black fraternities and sororities. It also discussed the importance of service and stepping as a way of identifying with a community. The main purpose of stepping is not just to dance and have fun but something more; it’s a culturally significant way of expressing unity and a way of identifying members of a community who are in the same fraternity or sorority. After the presentation, the guest speakers instructed the students on a small step performance. At the end of the event, food and drinks were served and many students asked the guest speakers questions.
Though both events had to compete with AP Discovery Day and attendance was impacted, student hype and excitement was high. In the future, Chaminade could expect a follow up event to the Step Show as it was highly popular with students.
By Dylan Moen ‘25
Edited by Claire Molnar ‘26
Last week, The Chaminade Diversity Team held two events for Black History Month. They kicked off the celebration with the Finish the Lyrics Event and ended the week with the Step Show Event.
The Finish the Lyrics event was reminiscent of past Diversity events, like Family Feud, which included special guest Steve Harvey. This time, the event was mainly focused on African American songs and culture. This event had 5 teams who had to answer challenging questions while competing for prizes. After a valiant battle, Team One emerged victorious with only a one-hundred-point difference from Team Two.
The Step Show Event consisted of a presentation as well as a group demonstration that included a “How-to-Step” segment. The presentation talked about the origins of stepping and historically Black fraternities and sororities. It also discussed the importance of service and stepping as a way of identifying with a community. The main purpose of stepping is not just to dance and have fun but something more; it’s a culturally significant way of expressing unity and a way of identifying members of a community who are in the same fraternity or sorority. After the presentation, the guest speakers instructed the students on a small step performance. At the end of the event, food and drinks were served and many students asked the guest speakers questions.
Though both events had to compete with AP Discovery Day and attendance was impacted, student hype and excitement was high. In the future, Chaminade could expect a follow up event to the Step Show as it was highly popular with students.
Spinning Flags and Tossing Sabres: An Interview with Winter Guard Co-Captains
By Jessica Yep ‘25
Edited by Andrea Palma ‘28
Ever since the very beginning of January, our winter guard team has been rehearsing three times a week for their upcoming competitions. This year’s show, titled Memories Lost, is set to the song “Howl” (by Florence + The Machine). The tiny but strong team of five have been building on their flag and rifle tossing and spinning skills, as well as lyrical choreography, throughout the season. I got to interview the co-captains, Caroline Yolo ‘25 and Grace Carpenter ‘27, on their insights on the season.
How many years have you been part of colorguard?
Caroline: 4 years
Grace: 3 years
Why did you join colorguard?
Caroline: I joined because my sister was in band and I found “the girls who spun the flags” to be very cool. I wanted to figure out how they could toss things so high in the air.
Grace: I had a lot of friends in marching band and I wanted to make some more.
What are you looking forward to this season?
Caroline: I am looking forward to championships and possibly performing during a rally.
Grace: I was injured the last 6 months so I’m so excited to be back with my team and new people and being captain.
What do you think is the best part of the winter guard routine this season?
Caroline: Not sure if there’s a best part, but my favorite part is my beginning sabre choreography and my big sabre 5 toss.
Grace: Currently I think it's our ending flag feature - it’s super impressive, fast, and challenging.
How do you hope to improve?
Caroline: I hope to improve my dance skills, specifically with my leaps.
Grace: I hope to improve strength because I lost a lot of it due to being injured.
Why do you love colorguard?
Caroline: I love colorguard because it has become a part of who I am. It has helped build confidence and break out of my shell. No other sport or activity has felt more like me than colorguard has.
Grace: I love colorguard because I get to perform to big audiences with some of my best friends.
Do you have any advice for someone potentially thinking about joining?
Caroline: I’d say if anyone’s interested you should join! Some advice I’d give is stretch consistently and EAT.
Grace: Get your technique down and super strong before you start jumping into crazy tosses - once you do it, it will be super easy.
*responses have been edited for clarity
Thanks to both Caroline and Grace for sharing their insights on colorguard! Make sure to follow their account on Instagram @ccp_colorguard to get updates on their winter guard season.
By Jessica Yep ‘25
Edited by Andrea Palma ‘28
Ever since the very beginning of January, our winter guard team has been rehearsing three times a week for their upcoming competitions. This year’s show, titled Memories Lost, is set to the song “Howl” (by Florence + The Machine). The tiny but strong team of five have been building on their flag and rifle tossing and spinning skills, as well as lyrical choreography, throughout the season. I got to interview the co-captains, Caroline Yolo ‘25 and Grace Carpenter ‘27, on their insights on the season.
How many years have you been part of colorguard?
Caroline: 4 years
Grace: 3 years
Why did you join colorguard?
Caroline: I joined because my sister was in band and I found “the girls who spun the flags” to be very cool. I wanted to figure out how they could toss things so high in the air.
Grace: I had a lot of friends in marching band and I wanted to make some more.
What are you looking forward to this season?
Caroline: I am looking forward to championships and possibly performing during a rally.
Grace: I was injured the last 6 months so I’m so excited to be back with my team and new people and being captain.
What do you think is the best part of the winter guard routine this season?
Caroline: Not sure if there’s a best part, but my favorite part is my beginning sabre choreography and my big sabre 5 toss.
Grace: Currently I think it's our ending flag feature - it’s super impressive, fast, and challenging.
How do you hope to improve?
Caroline: I hope to improve my dance skills, specifically with my leaps.
Grace: I hope to improve strength because I lost a lot of it due to being injured.
Why do you love colorguard?
Caroline: I love colorguard because it has become a part of who I am. It has helped build confidence and break out of my shell. No other sport or activity has felt more like me than colorguard has.
Grace: I love colorguard because I get to perform to big audiences with some of my best friends.
Do you have any advice for someone potentially thinking about joining?
Caroline: I’d say if anyone’s interested you should join! Some advice I’d give is stretch consistently and EAT.
Grace: Get your technique down and super strong before you start jumping into crazy tosses - once you do it, it will be super easy.
*responses have been edited for clarity
Thanks to both Caroline and Grace for sharing their insights on colorguard! Make sure to follow their account on Instagram @ccp_colorguard to get updates on their winter guard season.
One Note At A Time: An Interview With Mr. Pulido
By Andrea Palma ‘28
Edited by Jessica Yep ‘25
The Talon had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Pulido, Chaminade’s current band director, after a jazz band practice. He shared how his passion for music impacted his life, how he is enjoying his first year at Chaminade, and his plans to encourage young musicians to join the Instrumental Music Program.
How long have you been playing music for? When did you know you wanted to be a band director?
I started when I was 7, learning the trombone. I’ve been learning for 34 years. I knew I wanted to be a band director around my senior year in high school. I always wanted to be a teacher. Initially, I wanted to be a biology teacher. Around my junior and senior year of high school, my band director had me running some rehearsals and he positively encouraged me to pursue music education.
What classes/band extracurriculars are you teaching this year?
This year I teach Eagle Regiment, Wind Ensemble, Guitar, and Jazz Studies.
How are you liking your first year at Chaminade?
I’m really enjoying it. I will say the teachers, everybody, have been very nice and welcoming. The students have been very receptive, especially the band students, who have for the most part been very welcoming to this change in leadership in the band program.
What are some things you like about the Chaminade family?
Everybody is just so friendly and willing to help others.
What have your highlights been so far this year?
I would say pushing our marching band outside of their comfort zone in some moments and bringing them to the CSBC finals. I feel like our winter concert was really exceptional and something that I really enjoyed seeing come to fruition.
What are your plans for next year?
Continue to build the program. I want to find ways to bring more students into our instrumental program, our marching band, and wind ensemble. I want to start a Latin jazz ensemble, which would be considered an advanced jazz band.
What is some advice you would give to your current students?
Have fun. The music comes from within you, so if you’re enjoying what you do, and you show your audience that you love what you do, they’re going to enjoy watching you perform. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
How would you encourage people who want to join the band program?
Just go for it. If you’re afraid, don’t be. You’re here to learn. I’ve worked with everybody from beginners to more advanced students, and if band is something you really want to do, there’s no harm in trying.
Mr. Pulido is dedicated to music and teaching. He inspires his band students to continue trying new things and challenging themselves, and he encourages everyone who is interested in playing music, no matter their skill level, to join band! If you are interested in doing band next semester, please email him at [email protected].
By Andrea Palma ‘28
Edited by Jessica Yep ‘25
The Talon had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Pulido, Chaminade’s current band director, after a jazz band practice. He shared how his passion for music impacted his life, how he is enjoying his first year at Chaminade, and his plans to encourage young musicians to join the Instrumental Music Program.
How long have you been playing music for? When did you know you wanted to be a band director?
I started when I was 7, learning the trombone. I’ve been learning for 34 years. I knew I wanted to be a band director around my senior year in high school. I always wanted to be a teacher. Initially, I wanted to be a biology teacher. Around my junior and senior year of high school, my band director had me running some rehearsals and he positively encouraged me to pursue music education.
What classes/band extracurriculars are you teaching this year?
This year I teach Eagle Regiment, Wind Ensemble, Guitar, and Jazz Studies.
How are you liking your first year at Chaminade?
I’m really enjoying it. I will say the teachers, everybody, have been very nice and welcoming. The students have been very receptive, especially the band students, who have for the most part been very welcoming to this change in leadership in the band program.
What are some things you like about the Chaminade family?
Everybody is just so friendly and willing to help others.
What have your highlights been so far this year?
I would say pushing our marching band outside of their comfort zone in some moments and bringing them to the CSBC finals. I feel like our winter concert was really exceptional and something that I really enjoyed seeing come to fruition.
What are your plans for next year?
Continue to build the program. I want to find ways to bring more students into our instrumental program, our marching band, and wind ensemble. I want to start a Latin jazz ensemble, which would be considered an advanced jazz band.
What is some advice you would give to your current students?
Have fun. The music comes from within you, so if you’re enjoying what you do, and you show your audience that you love what you do, they’re going to enjoy watching you perform. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
How would you encourage people who want to join the band program?
Just go for it. If you’re afraid, don’t be. You’re here to learn. I’ve worked with everybody from beginners to more advanced students, and if band is something you really want to do, there’s no harm in trying.
Mr. Pulido is dedicated to music and teaching. He inspires his band students to continue trying new things and challenging themselves, and he encourages everyone who is interested in playing music, no matter their skill level, to join band! If you are interested in doing band next semester, please email him at [email protected].
