After a hard-fought battle against some of the most talented marching bands in the state, Capistrano Valley High School on Nov. 21 was named state champion in its division at the California State Band Championships in San Bernardino.
Competing schools are ranked in divisions according to band size. The band was one of 33 that competed in five divisions during the nearly 13-hour state championships.
The 65-member Capistrano Valley High School band added to its impressive win by taking the top three sweepstakes trophies, which were won in the categories of High Music, High Effect and High Visual.
Senior Jeremy Burciaga was named outstanding soloist for his trumpet performance.
This year’s theme was “The Music of Carmen,” which featured a spirited and visually stunning presentation of Bizet’s operatic masterpiece.
The victory marks the second time in four years that Instrumental Music Director Andy Waldukat has delivered the school a state championship.
“I will never forget the look of pride on each of the students’ faces on the return trip home,” Waldukat said. “I have personally witnessed firsthand the struggles these students go through each season, overcoming fatigue at practice, learning difficult music and having to integrate the music and movement with 65 other people on the field at the same time. These students have learned that hard work pays off and that they can work through challenges and find support in a team environment. Life skills are certainly a wonderful component to music education.”
For more information about the CVHS music program, visit www.capomusic.org.
Andy is easily one of the most energetic, authentic, and talented young band directors out there – kudos to he and his kids!