Symphonic band wins gold at Disneyland competition

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Given its history of musical innovation and celebration, Disneyland is a proper location for band competition. In March, concert band, symphonic band, and jazz band traveled to Anaheim to compete in the annual Heritage Festival, with symphonic band winning first place in their category.

“We performed at the Rose theater in California,” junior Cole Richards explained, “a beautiful theater, where we were judged by three different adjudicators.”

Symphonic won first place overall, conquering schools from around the country, not to mention two individual solo performance awards. Students describe the experience as “overall unforgettable,” students also saw a live performance of the LA Philharmonic, “which was breathtaking” sophomore Katie Ethington said.

Different aspects go into what students like senior Andrew Matthews, call a passion and that being the reason why he has stuck around in this area of music. All players are interconnected by the true art filled with inside jokes, and general appreciation for music as an ensemble.

“It’s a way for me to express myself and relieve stress. Being part of an ensemble that plays so well and beautifully brings me joy,” Ethington said, who has played euphonium for nearly six years.

Most of these musicians have had experience in a school setting since elementary and an important adversary is the growth and development of a young musician in high school. Whether it be from the guidance of the music directors or the support of the Pumas, this encouragement leads to achievements such as the recent ones in Anaheim.

Throughout this school year, symphonic band has received opportunities to play a wide spectrum of music.

Students are grateful for experiences such as these and enjoy the challenges of encountering new genres. “We play a wide variety of music that teaches many things like cultures and historical stories, for example at this moment we are in the process of learning a piece written about the assassination of John F. Kennedy (JFK),” sophomore trumpet player Lindsey Clouse said.

Senior trumpet section leader Gary Kent is an example of how this ensemble strives for each other to be their best in a humble way. “I want to end the year kind of passing the torch,” he said. “I want to work with the second chair to get her ready to take over next year.”

This intricate group of percussion, brass and wind enthusiasts gives one another the support and guidance one needs to turn an average symphonic band into a gold-rated, Puma-proud music combo.