Bands Bring Their Best to ‘Spectacular’

AUHSD’s Band and Pageantry Spectacular hit just the right note with the audience.
 
Family and friends uncomplainingly braved the cool night air and hard metal benches for the opportunity to be dazzled by the talent at the 47th annual showcase.
 
Along with Superintendent Dr. Joseph Farley and board member Mr. Jordan Brandman -- who played trombone in his high school band -- they marveled at the beauty of the music, the precision of the marching, and the gracefulness of the pageantry.
 
“It’s fun for the whole family,” said Mrs. Eden Roa, whose daughter, Mallory, is the lead trombonist for the Cypress High School Centurion Imperial Brigade. In addition to her mom, Mallory’s cheering squad included her dad, uncle, and grandparents.
 
Being in band has enriched her daughter’s life in so many ways, Mrs. Roa said. It makes her feel accomplished, and gives her something to do in her spare time. When she was in 7th grade, Mallory decided to take band, even though she had no idea if she would like it. She excelled almost immediately, however, and now, five years later, she is so skilled she will be playing in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Honor Band.
 
“I can’t imagine her not wanting to keep up with band in college,” Mrs. Roa added.
 
Like Mallory, 13-year-old Kevin Kordosky was introduced to band in seventh grade at Lexington Junior High School. “It’s the coolest. I enjoy entertaining people,” said Kevin, who plays tenor saxophone in the intermediate band.
 
At first, band was difficult. Most of the kids, Kevin included, had never played an instrument before. But after only a month, they were nailing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and other sophisticated pieces, a tribute to their director.
 
“Don’t tell anyone, but Mr. (Steve) Graves is the best in the district,” Kevin said. “I’m not sure exactly why his system works; it just does.”
 
Kevin imagines he will continue with band in high school, although playing football is a competing interest.
 
The evening began with a performance by the All District Junior High School Band, 120-members strong. Including the junior high performers in the lineup is a symbolic way of promoting the progression of young musicians to the senior high programs.
 
As each high school band was introduced, rooting sections sprang to life. For the Anaheim High School Colonial Regiment, it was a vocal Associated Student Body contingent. The leadership group tries to come out to all student events to show their support, ASB president Neda Arora explained. Following her classmates’ performance, Neda gave this unbiased assessment: They were the best.
 
What was clear at the end of the night was that each school had, indeed, given their best.