People turn to music for a variety of reasons, but for many students, it serves as an escape from their everyday life.  School can bring stress from things such as homework, tests, and social expectations, but having the opportunity to pick up an instrument and step into a different reality provides a sense of relief from the expectations of life.  Once the tune begins, worries begin to fade into the background, allowing musicians to express themselves through their instruments.  Students at San Dimas High School can find this escape through music with guidance and support from their band directors and fellow musicians.  This helps create a safe place where they can open up, and find a sanctuary while continuing to pursue their other goals in life.

Music is a form of power for students.  Being able to bring a tune to life is a feeling that can save students from the negativity within.  When students feel like they are drowning, music gives a chance to breathe; it is a lifeline when there is nothing left to grab.  San Dimas Musician, Leanne Flores observes, “Music taught me how to be passionate.  Without music I wouldn’t talk or dress the way I do, without music I would be a blank space.  Music makes me want to be better and develop myself in music, it basically is everything to me.  Music is 100% my escape route when life feels crazy.”  When listening, playing, or creating, worries begin to fade, and a light starts to shine, as Leanne relates.  It’s like a reminder that even when things feel impossible, beauty and comfort are just a melody away.

The most important part of a band is the drummer.  The drummer keeps the rhythm going while doing everything in their power not to lose the beat.  Here at San Dimas High School, Mr. Beckford is The Top Director and alongside him is Mr. Sandt, Assistant Director. Both are the drummers.  These musical mentors  put their all into the band program with nothing but each other’s guidance.  Their consistency and leadership help keep the entire band program steady.  Without their steadiness, the music would lose its structure.  Mr. Beckford shares, “I feel that this year started out with some hesitation, we lost a very strong senior class and were unsure if we’d be able to keep up with our reputation, but the students, in good fashion, surprised us.  I love being a music teacher due to my ability to inspire students in something I am passionate about.  My experience as a performer and educator all collided in our room and beyond.  I love music the way I do because of the love of music that the band directors in my life exemplified.  They taught us how to listen and appreciate the music we heard.” As a drummer himself, he knows the importance of leadership for a group.  Mr. Sandt adds, “I’ve been very happy with Wind Ensemble 3 overall, although the Ensemble is on the younger side it’s a very musical, teachable group.  I think that is demonstrated by the back-to-back Unanimous Superiors we earned at the festival.  Being able to build a band program, develop leaders, and make a community of people that see themselves as family is rewarding.  Also: I don’t put on a costume when I get dressed for SD Rocks.  I take one off.  SD-Rocks Sandt is the real me…Or maybe they’re both the real me.  I dunno.” These directors not only keep the beat on tempo but also inspire confidence throughout the band, giving each musician the confidence to perform from the heart.

In the end, music is more than just a sound.  Music is a source of connection that binds souls in ways that words never could.  It is a safety net.  At San Dimas High School, the band became more than a class to the students, it became a community.  Through every note and every beat, music continues to guide students forward, reminding them that they are never alone, and there will always be a lifeline waiting to be grabbed.