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Video capture by Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Aloha Stadium's field is filled to the corners with the Pearl
City High School band, 200 dancers and truckloads of props
at the end of the November 11th halftime performance. Many
have said it was the best show ever put on in the stadium.
Digital frame capture from video.

Halftime spectacular

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By Dean Sensui
Starbulletin.com

View Dean Sensui's video report: Click here for large Quicktime Click here for medium RealVideo Click here for large RealVideo Click here for small RealVideo Download RealPlayer 7

There's nothing quite like the glamour and excitement of a halftime show. The colors, sights and sounds thrill thousands. The choreographed movements on the field are nothing short of impressive. And the oversized props and flags are overwhelming.

Pearl City High School's halftime show on Veterans Day was, according to many observers, among the most spectacular ever put on during a University of Hawaii football game. This show honored the recent recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and also introduced Angela Baraquio, Hawaii's own Miss America.

But what goes into putting together a performance like this?

Video capture by Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Drum Major Wendy Matsumoto conducts the Pearl City
High School Band during the November 11th halftime show
during the University of Hawaii Football game
at Aloha Stadium.

Video capture by Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Pearl City High School band members drill on the practice
field, to prepare for the big halftime show on November 11,
2000. Hundreds of hours are spent developing and refining
the intricate movements of about 250 band students.

In addition to the 270 band members, there are 200 dancers, 350 ROTC members, and 300 others including band parents and community volunteers.

Above all, it takes a great deal of dedication among the high school students themselves, and hundreds of hours of practice, practice, practice.

Tommy Kamisato interview

David Wells interview

Video capture by Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Field Commander Jourdan Cantiberos co-conducts the
horn section of the band late into the afternoon. Rehearsals
can run long and in almost any weather.

Video capture by Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Not everyone is chock full of energy. Long, repetitive rehearsal
sessions sometimes takes its toll on band members. One grabs
a few moments of shut-eye during a pracice session of the
"Buckets of Fun" segment of the show.

Video capture by Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Pearl City High School's band performs at Aloha Stadium during
the halftime show on November 11. It was said to be among the
best shows ever seen at the stadium.

Among the largest displays are the two balloon arches. Spanning the entire field, what looks like a simple string of helium balloons is actually the product of a deceptively complex operation.

Bob Kagihara interview

Just hours before the kickoff, band members and everyone involved with the show gather at the stadium for rehearsals and final preparations.

And finally, it's showtime!

This is Dean Sensui, reporting for Starbulletin-dot-com.