Capistrano Valley High School’s award-winning Black and Gold Brigade marching band has clinched the number one spot again in its division at the Southern California Judging Association’s California State Band Championships. The most recent win marks a remarkable three-peat victory for the group at the prestigious SCJA competition.
In addition to its first-place win, the band also took home three sweepstakes trophies, including best music, color guard and percussion performances. Sweepstakes awards go to the bands judged to be the best among all of the other schools competing in one or more divisions.
The daylong event, hosted by Edison High School, was held November 19 at Huntington Beach High School.
Competition in the 4A division consisted of ten top rated marching bands from around Southern California. The bands had to win high rankings at various regional shows during the school year in order to secure a spot in the SCJA finals.
With this latest victory, the school’s 96-member marching band and color guard, under the direction of Instrumental Music Director Andy Waldukat, have taken four first place State titles in just six short years.
"We only had limited staff and rehearsal time available this season due to scheduling and program funding,” said Waldukat, “so I’m extra proud of the commitment and focus the students gave to the program this year. They never let up, and really rose to the challenge in both leadership and as an ensemble, making this accomplishment a true collaborative effort.”
Thousands of parents, students and other supporters crowded into the stands for the competition, creating an oftentimes near-deafening roar of applause and foot stomping when band performances concluded. School colors were also on full display among the supporters, which made for a vibrant and fun atmosphere for spectators.
This year’s Capo Valley show was a Japanese-themed production called “Koto.” The production included both soft, haunting strains of traditional Japanese music combined with powerful interludes of full brass and wind instrumentation, and a dramatic and commanding performance by the drum line that brought the crowd to its feet.
“The music and visual program is always something the design team tries to explore as much as possible,” said Waldukat. “The use of traditional Japanese percussive instruments and choreography allowed us to create a connection between the music and visual program in new and expressive ways, resulting in a performance that seemed to really resonate with the audience.”
The band’s talents will next be on display at the San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting at Historic Town Center Park on December 3 and in the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade on December 10.
For more information about the CVHS music program, visit www.cvhsmusic.org.
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