Crescenta Valley High School’s Falcon marching band is just about halfway through its marching/competition season and has already received a first place trophy. The West/El Camino Field Tournament, where CV took first place in its division on Oct. 3, is one of dozens of competitions throughout the fall marching season at which bands (along with their drum majors and auxiliary units or color guards) from all over Southern California compete in front of judges appointed by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA).  Bands perform their field shows (football halftime shows) at field tournaments, and perform a march (such as one by John Philip Sousa) while marching down the street at band reviews. Judges critique each band, drum major, and auxiliary on marching precision as well as visual presence and etiquette. The band’s Color Guard auxiliary unit won third place in its division at West/El Camino.

The Falcon marching band’s success in this initial competition represents several firsts for the band. Although it won the sweepstakes award for Highest Music Score at West/El Camino last year, it scored higher this year. This win also came very early in the band’s season, and the band earned it despite losing many hours of practice time due to the Station Fire. Finally, this is the first time in its history that the band has taken first place in a field tournament rather than a band review.

Although its next competition is not until later this month, the marching band has been performing its field show at all of the CVHS varsity football team’s home games played at Glendale High School’s Moyse Field. At the away games, the band stays in the stands and supports the team by playing pep songs throughout the game. After marching in the Loara Band Review on Oct. 31, the band will compete in two more band reviews and two more field shows.

Further information about the marching band’s performance schedule and links to information about the competitions are available at the CV High School Instrumental Music Department website www.falconmusic.org.

Submitted by
Susan Cross Stanley