In addition to Friday night football games and monthly rallies, our San Dimas Royal Corps have also been practicing to compete in weekly competitions where they perform to qualify for finals in November. Around 150 students put their time and effort into this year-round program and their record-breaking success is a perfect example of their dedication.
On a cool Saturday night, our San Dimas Royal Corps headlined at Gahr High School, and safe to say, they saved the best for last. With a score of 86.3 (1 point away from their last year’s finals score), they were about to get one step closer to qualifying for the semi-finals and, hopefully, finals. Last year they were able to leave as 10th in the state and according to clarinet section leader, Anthony Bailey, they’re hoping for higher this year.
Competitive band is not an easy task and although our Royal Corps make it look good, it takes a lot of time and effort to perform as well as they do. Bailey explains the atmosphere as very “accepting” and he has friends in band who used to feel “like they couldn’t be themselves, and when they joined band, they felt comfortable to act how they wanted. People don’t really get judged and you just be who you are in band, while also being competitive. ” With its challenges, Bailey and the rest of his band members find it important to appreciate the little things in this program and recognize the inclusive culture and instant gratitude for being able to find a friend there.
As they are hopeful for the future, our Royal Corps continue to practice and prepare for finals where they hope to beat their old record. After watching their November 9th competition and interviewing just one band member, it’s clear that he is one of many in this program who are incredibly talented and a part of the next step to national recognition for San Dimas’ Royal Corps. The sense of community and inclusivity is what makes these students special across the whole board and hopefully, it’s time that other students start to recognize their dedication and success. It’ll be worth it.
