It's Band Camp Week At Alhambra High

With just days before summer vacation ends, 70-plus members of the band assembled to prepare for the coming school year.  The band’s annual camp is an opportunity for its members to reconnect, re-familiarize themselves with musical scores and welcome new members. 

The band is lead by Director Julianne George, who brings a diverse program of music that spans both generations and genres.  George has directed the band since 2006. This year’s program includes music from Jimmy Hendrix, The Beatles, Smash Mouth and even a polka.

“Oddly enough,” George said, “somehow kids that are born and raised in Martinez know all this old music.” 
She said that she has had requests for 80’s rock groups Journey and AC/DC. 

“The music they get on the Internet, doesn’t feed their soul; they want challenging things, the things that are well written stand the test of time,” George said.

The kids clearly enjoy the music.  Band practice is filled with dance moves as they play, witty joshing back and forth, and genuine musicianship displayed as upper classmen explain music theory to the newcomers.

It’s a whole new band experience for the incoming freshmen. Although virtually all have had George as a music teacher in middle school, they have not experienced three hour rehearsals of new music with choreography, nor have they had to negotiate a parade route or football field while playing.

“It’s cool but it’s hard. You’ve got to get used to it,” said freshman alto saxophonist Joey Peisoto. 

“Typically in marching band everyone stands in a straight line, and you don’t move and you play your part, and it’s perfect,” George said.  “But this marching band doesn’t like to do that, they like to jump and dance.” 

The band is becoming known for its energy. Last year after playing the Walnut Festival in Walnut Creek, they were invited to play the Oakland Children’s Day parade. They were one of 80 bands from all over the world -- they won third place in that parade.

It's clear that band members are genuinely engaged in the music and the process.  Students have the opportunity to look through the school’s music library and request pieces to try out.  Some students such as baritone saxophone player Aleksi von Disterlo even do their own research to find arrangements.  He and two other bandmates spent time over the summer organizing the band’s music into portfolios in preparation for their new season.

Thr students also understand that their musicianship represents both the school and the community.  Community members and businesses pooled money together to help buy their uniforms.

“Because of that,” said one band member, "we try to do our best to make a good show for the community. We’re just there for anyone who takes the time to listen to us.”