Victoria McFarland performed with Pacific Crest in 2014 and 2015, and she is returning for the 2016 season.
Tell us about your background and family.
My hometown is Moreno Valley, CA. I am an only child, but my friend, Jesse, lives with us. He’s older than me, and is pretty much my big brother.
What brought you to Pacific Crest?
I was attracted to the challenge and the adventure behind it. I enjoy the physical and mental challenges that I face at PC because they help me push my limits. I learned about drum corps during high school when I had some friends who marched.
How did the Pacific Crest experience impact your life?
Pacific Crest has helped me keep my cool in difficult situations, and helped show me that I’m stronger than I think. In any situation, I’m able to think, “I’ve been in a situation harder than this,” and then relax. The best part of the experience is traveling, trying new things, and the feeling of finishing a performance and seeing people on their feet.
How do you think Pacific Crest will affect your future goals and plans?
Pacific Crest has made me ready for any situation. I’ve learned how to handle life’s challenges on my own, without having to rely on others to help figure them out. Overall, I figure out solutions more quickly, and have gotten better with time management.
What else do you do outside of drum corps?
Music isn’t my only passion, though in addition to PC, I’m section leader for the Riverside City College Marching Tigers. My biggest passion, though, is special effects makeup, which I hope to do for a living..
Is there something you’d like others to know about Pacific Crest?
The most important thing to understand is that we are a family, and that we will always be there for each other. One thing that really brings us close together is our corps song. In the beginning, the song may not be as powerful to the rookies as it is to returners, but by the end — when we play it one last time — it hits everyone hard. The Pacific Crest experience is about being the best performer as well as the best person you can be.
