For six weeks, BVH’s Club Blue–band and colorguard–went without a director, with Bruce Mansfield subbing in. Despite being well-versed musically, Mansfield held three other positions outside of Bonita, and Club Blue lacked something more official. When Ren Ponsor-DeChant, also known as Gunny, took up the position, it filled a gap that had been left open for weeks. Changes have been made from the previous director, Mark McCann. Junior and president of Club Blue Elliot Wilson explained the effects of not having a steady director until now.
“McCann would have probably gotten on us a lot this season because of how we are acting–we do not have the same discipline. [This is] probably because we did not have a director. Gunny’s more soft in the way that they speak and give us directions,” Wilson said. “Our first competition was last Saturday, [and] we got a 48 for band. That is not good, and [the lack of] discipline has definitely caused that. We have not been focused, but I hope we can get better and get higher scores in the future.”
Though Club Blue has not done well statistically since the change, the argument can be made that their classroom environment has caused this. Many factors can influence a low score at a competition, and it very well could have been the transition period between directors. Senior and drum major Ruben Flores comments on the positive impacts of DeChant’s presence in the classroom.
“The previous director had a more relaxed and familiar style, while Gunny [brought] a structured and military-influenced style. Both have their strengths–one focused more on creativity and comfort, while Gunny emphasizes discipline and consistency,” Flores said. “Honestly, Club Blue has grown stronger. We have become tighter as an ensemble, more precise and more confident in our performances. The adjustment took time, but it has been a positive change overall.”
Though the transition period was rough and DeChant’s teaching style was new to the environment that is Club Blue, they are now on an upward trajectory. Now that DeChant has had time to acclimate to BVH, they are more focused on pushing students toward the best possible versions of themselves.
“I want to push everyone to be the best that they can be. That is Club Blue’s thing–“be the best that we can be.” I see everybody’s potential and I want to bring that out in them and challenge them. At the same time, I do not want people to feel overwhelmed,” DeChant said. “I want everybody to feel included, to be supportive and encouraging of everyone.”
DeChant, though new, has aspirations for the Club Blue community beyond simple competition scores. Though McCann has been and will continue to be missed dearly, the benefits from this switch are already being observed. Due to DeChant’s discipline and dedication, Club Blue has seen the lack of discipline begin to vanish.
“Gunny is disciplined, passionate and driven. They have high expectations, but they also genuinely want us to succeed and grow–not just as musicians, but as people. They are the kind of director who pushes you to find your full potential,” Flores said. “[The classroom environment] has become more structured. There is a clear sense of direction during class now. Students know what is expected of them, and that focus has improved both behavior and performance quality.”
