Skilled senior Serena Davanzo is ready to take her astonishing color guard skills and  techniques to Penn State University’s Blue Band Silks.

Davanzo has been a member of Bangor’s color guard for four years, but decided to expand her color guard skills and join Q’s color guard program. Q is an independent color guard program that is held at East Stroudsburg University. The team practices and competes in national competitions, such as Tournament Indoor Association (TIA), Winter Guard International (WGI), and WGI Color Guard World Championships.

“Performing in front of all of those people at competitions is just an amazing feeling, and after every performance people come up to us and compliment us. After being so nervous throughout an entire performance in a competition, those compliments really make it all worthwhile,” Davanzo said.

Along with participating in Bangor High’s color guard, Davanzo is also quite a proficient percussionist for the Slater Symphonic Band.

“Being surrounded by so many people who support our awesome band is just an amazing feeling,” Davanzo said.

As an involved member of the band, the color guard, and other school clubs, such as French Honor Society, Women’s Chorale, and Chamber Choir, Davanzo’s schedule can become a bit overwhelming.

“It’s really difficult to balance all of my programs that I am involved with and my school work on top of everything. During indoor winter guard season, we practice on the weekends, so I lose time to do homework. Yet during marching band season, practices are really late all week, so adding school work on top of that is not an easy task,” Davanzo said.

Despite this packed schedule, Davanzo embraces the lifestyle.

“Overall, I just really love being involved in all of the organizations I take part in. It’s a lot of work, but it’s truly so worth it. I tell people to become as involved as they can because it is so worth it at the end of the day.”

With years of experience under her belt, Davanzo decided to audition for Penn State University’s Blue Band to perform with silks, and rightfully earned her spot.

“To be a part of the pregame show tradition in front of thousands is going to be amazing. Halftime is also going to be amazing because it’s a new show every game,” Davanzo said.

As a result of her abundant experience and passion for music, Davanzo is leaning towards a musical major at Penn State, but also wants to pursue her spark for politics.

“I am currently undecided for my major, but am leaning towards political science or musical theater. I love to perform, sing, and dance, but I also love how politics work and operate. I think ‘why choose one side over the other?’ The way the brain works with politics is quite fascinating,” Davanzo said.

After years of preparation and practice, Davanzo is ready to shine at Beaver Stadium and perform in front of thousands.