George Fonseca

Motivated student working toward a Business Management Economics degree with a concentration in Accounting. Possess experience in Excel, Stata, and Python. Proven success working within fast-paced, collaborative settings.

• During my four years of high school, I was an integral part of the marching band. Within that period, I served as a Drum Major for a total of three years, initially as an Assistant Drum Major for two years, and then taking on the role of Head Drum Major for the final year. I must admit that being a Drum Major was never easy. From creating rosters from scratching so devising game plans, planning stretches for rehearsals, and handling a multitude of other responsibilities - the list goes on and on. Being the face of the band means leading and conducting the ensemble during every practice, assisting in teaching and understanding the music given, running rehearsals, and ensuring everyone understands the marching techniques being taught. During football games and our own competitions, we take charge of ensuring that the band is dressed and prepared, in which we escort them onto the field. The title 'Drum Major' may be a singular term, but it encompasses a multitude of roles.
• Despite my dedication to school and marching band, it was essential for me to remember that I had a family and myself to take care of. Being of Mexican descent has instilled in me the importance of bonds with family members. Throughout the school year and summer I also found myself helping my parents with their jobs as well. Whether it be helping my dad at his construction job or helping my mother with her real estate business. Even on weekends, I would run open houses in Pomona or any other location where she would need me. So many things seemed to have been going on, as we were also in the middle of a downsize to a mobile home as a result of covid and the lack of work. During our process of downsizing, I did not have a bed so I referred to sleeping on the floor. My family means the world to me, which is precisely why I felt compelled to write about their significant role in my life.

• One would be becoming a drum major as a sophomore. It is very uncommon to see this happen, and I was astonished when the directors had told me to try out. I worked so hard for a week straight, working on how to conduct, march well, use a baton, whistle, give commands, the whole nine yards. It was such a beautiful thing when I was given the opportunity to be drum major, because it really shows how much true hard work can pay off. Especially since band is something that I enjoy and do for myself, I take pride in what I've been able to do. Band and music is my happy place. I've given up a lot of things in my life upon entering high school, so every time I touch my saxophone or step up onto the podium, I carry out my position as if it were the last time I would be able to.
• The second would be making it to Peer Counseling as a sophomore. Like the drum major situation, it was a rare occurrence to see a sophomore Peer Counselor. These kinds of positions are typically offered to juniors and seniors. But Peer Counseling is different. It is one of the only classes, if not the only, where you can be truly vulnerable, and have others be vulnerable to you. We've seen many cases about depression, falling behind, family issues, and other topics that fellow students typically would not want to share about. It really gives me a sense of love and trust when someone confides in me with a secret or topic they don't share.

• Head Drum Major
• Lead Alto - Advanced Jazz Band
• Peer Counselor
• Co President - National Honors Society
• Lead Tenor - UCSC Big Band
• Band Manager - UCSC Big Band

• Marching Band, Drum Major 2 years, Head Drum Major 1 year (High School), Having been a part of the marching band as well as leading it for 3 years has taught me how to be a leader, knowing how to stay strong in times of stress or uncertainty. The mindset that we are a team has stuck with me throughout the years I have been involved, and has been shown by always working with my people, not being a dictator and waiting for tasks to be accomplished. The involvement and learning of how to be a kind person while getting things done has been a skill I honed, using it on a daily basis.
• Jazz Band, Lead Alto in advanced and intermediate jazz band (High School), Also being the lead in the jazz bands has allowed me to expand my knowledge on music, while reinforcing the skills required when leading a group of students. From teaching music at times, to leading the band with the language that is music, jazz has always been a passion of mine.
• Pit Orchestra Member, Little Mermaid (High School), Being in the pit orchestra consumed many hours of my day that could have been used recovering from sleep deprivation or excess amounts of homework. But, I do not regret it at all as I was truly challenged by the music given it came from Broadway. Playing multiple instruments taught me to adapt, as well as involve myself with the entire cast, crew, and orchestra.
• National Honors Society, Treasurer, Co-President (High School), Being a treasurer, we were able to keep records of money being spent on events. For example, a senior gift event where we made gift baskets for our seniors that had graduated. In addition, as a Co-President, we have been reaching out to many different organizations looking for ways to volunteer during these times of COVID. It has been difficult finding volunteer opportunities in general, but we have now aimed at volunteering in our own community, Walnut. We work with the different positions in the club asking if there is anyone in need of assistance, plan out meetings, and bring up ideas for new ways to return our service back to our community. We have volunteered at homeless shelters, churches, schools, city halls, etc. We have done so in order to allow our community to enjoy their city and what it has to offer.
• Music Honors Society, Member of 4 years (High School), Through the Music Honors Society club, also known as Tri-M, we have spread the love for music to our Walnut Community. We have volunteered at the middle school across the street, Suzanne Middle School, in providing tutoring every week after school helping with any music related topics they may need help with. In addition, I have participated in an event where we performed Christmas Music at Regency Grand on Grand Avenue by the I-10 freeway. All in all, we spread our love for music with others.
• Band Buddies, Officer on Cabinet (High School), As a part of Band Buddies, each year we organize a few days dedicated to learning a set of music with fifth graders from different elementary schools in the Walnut District. Whether it be from Collegewood, CJ Morris, Vejar, etc. As an officer, I made sure that all the fifth graders made it to the band room and not getting lost on our big campus. In addition, we helped move food items, music, and other items around the band room. After every practice we also set up a food table where we served 100+ of these fifth graders as a treat.
• Jazz Band, Lead Alto during first quarter at UCSC , as of Fall 2023 I am now lead tenor, Getting into the big band as a first year was one thing. But also being the lead alto added to my level of excitement. This meant even more dedication from my end in order to deliver my first collegiate jazz performance.