DENVER, CO – Sarah Pichardo, 21, has been a Blue Knight for 5 years and has reached her final season, “Because”. She is the only 5th year member of the drum corps this year, and among few who have stayed loyal to the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps year after year. From El Paso, TX, Sarah graduated from Americas High School. She has rarely missed any rehearsal time since she began marching, with a 10 hour bus ride each way to the Blue Knights camps. Sarah and her family do not live in the wealthiest part of Texas, but she has consistently been able to pay off her fees from year-to-year, a little at a time.
Sarah is expected to graduate in the summer of 2017 with a degree in advertising, and a minor in graphic design from the University of Texas at El Paso. She even expressed interest in earning an Associate’s in Dance sometime down the road, along with the many skills she has learned from her experiences both in the classroom and in the performing arts. Whether she is performing on the field or on the winter guard floor, Sarah never fails to exude pure happiness for the activity. Her positive personality bursts of encouragement towards everyone around her, and is always there to lend a hand to someone in need.
Mark Arnold, director of the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, spoke highly of Sarah when talking about what he looks for in a leader.
“Sarah is one of the most dedicated and encouraging individuals in the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps right now,” said Mark Arnold. “Her positive energy affects those around her and I have no doubt she will be another strong force to lift our color guard up for another unforgettable season in 2015.”
Sarah Pichardo feels the same way about the drum corps organization here in Denver, and how she decided to return and contribute her incredible value to others.
“I return because I love what the Blue Knights stand for, and how hardworking we are as a family. This is the only place that truly feels like home, a second home that I can look forward to every summer. I have been exposed to many different types of staff, techniques, and experiences, and it has impacted my way of thinking and approaching things. I hope to work for Drum Corps International or Winter Guard International in the future as a graphic designer and overall advocate for my passion in life!”
In 2014, Sarah marched FeniX Independent winter guard from Arizona State University, and would drive a total of 13 hours every weekend to make it to and from rehearsals. After several years and several thousand dollars of her parents’ support, Sarah is now continuing the activity on her own. As a full-time college student with a full-time job teaching Franklin High School’s color guard, it has been difficult but possible to fulfill her dreams.
As the captain of the Blue Knights color guard for 2 years, Sarah is determined to make her last season with the organization she loves worthwhile. She constantly motivates herself to be a better example to her peers, and accepts both good and bad situations with open arms and makes the best of it. Much more than a spotlight needs to be put on Sarah Pichardo; the Blue Knights color guard is in good hands with her loving spirit.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Anderson is graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication from Arizona State University in 2015. Her experience in the marching arts consists of 3 years with The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps color guard (2011-2013) and has aged-out with the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps color guard in 2014. Sarah also performed three seasons with the world class Winter Guard International finalist FeniX Independent winter guard under the instruction of Brandy DuBose, Rob Jett, and Adam Selby, all of whom are current Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps Color Guard staff.
In addition to her experience with color guard, Sarah has been surrounded by an entire family of musicians and has played both the piano and violin since early childhood. Sarah is very excited about what this summer has to offer and will now have an opportunity to look at the other side of things, from a previous insider’s perspective.