Marching Warriors' hard work is paying off

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook High School Marching Warriors Band has brought home a first place and three second place trophies. With one more competition to go, they have their sights set on SCSBOA Championships for the second year in a row.

The students have learned that commitment has been vital to their success in marching band. They have spent many hours memorizing their competitive show music. Marching drill began with a three week band camp during the summer and continues with classes, and multiple rehearsals all semester.

The Warriors’ 2013 show music is uniquely adapted from the Opera Sampson and Delilah — Danse Bacchanale by Camille Saint-Saëns. The opera selections have been re-scored to fit marching band instrumentation. The score is beautifully performed by the band and color guard.

Diligent outreach efforts by veteran students and director Victor Torres have started to pay off with increasing enrollment each year as students from Potter and Sullivan junior high schools sign up for music programs at Fallbrook High School. Since a program low-point in 2011, the band has grown from 36 to 70 members, with half the students being freshman. The program is growing, but the instrument inventory is very low and in poor condition.

In response to this critical need, the FUHSD school district recently allocated funds to go toward much-needed equipment for the band over the next three years. This investment heralds a new era for the program. Although the allocation will help, grants and sponsorships are needed to make up the gap between the district commitment and the needs of the band. Rebuilding the program after years of cuts, while getting current students to competitions, is daunting.

“Donations from local organizations like the Woman’s Club, the Vintage Car Club and the Angel Society are a true Godsend,” the Band Boosters said. “Community and parent support are key to the program’s survival.”

“We applaud FUHSD and Dr. Dale Mitchell for recognizing the tremendous value of this program and for responding to the critical needs,” said Kelley Thomas, Band Boosters president. “The Boosters are encouraged by this news and will continue work hard to seek support from outside sources. We want the Marching Warriors to be the pride of Fallbrook.”

For more information about the Marching Warriors, visit http://www.fallbrookhsband.org.