Where Were Your Childeren.... Marching?

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Battle of the school bands
Apple Valley hosts the annual Sundevil Classic

By KATHERINE ROSENBERG/Staff Writer

APPLE VALLEY — Hundreds of fans gathered in the bleachers at Newton T. Bass Stadium at Apple Valley High School on Saturday afternoon for the annual Sundevil Classic, where eight marching bands competed for the recognition of being named sweepstakes winners.

On a sunny day with a warm breeze, fans from all over the area came out in droves to support their favorite musicians, including parents, classmates and friends.

Competing in the event were school bands from Silverado High, Granite Hills High, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Colton, Fontana, Quartz Hill and Barstow. Apple Valley High School band members also performed, but as the host school they were not in direct competition for any trophies, organizers said.

The event is coordinated by the Apple Corps — the Apple Valley High School Boosters club — and it takes about six months to orchestrate.

"This event is one of our biggest fundraisers, and it's all to put money back into the band program. Music programs don't always get fed a lot, so we do this to make sure we're sustaining the program," Apple Corps President Theresa Price said.

With three divisions based on school size, Silverado, Fontana and Barstow were named sweepstakes winners for their respective classes during the fourth annual event.

For the colorguard competition, Silverado, Fontana and Quartz Hills were named sweepstakes winners. Audience members were able to vote on their favorite performance for the people's choice award, which went to the Barstow marching band.

But the day wasn't all about winning.

Vendors were set up and families attended together, buying concessions, laughing together and rooting for their favorite bands. The bands displayed innovative formations and the bright hues from the colorguards' flags waved as the powerful music played, creating a vibrant and fun ambiance.

The event was staffed entirely by volunteers from Apple Corps, Price said, and she was proud of the job they did in handling the occasion.

"They worked so hard, the whole group of parents, it was such a wonderful day," Price said.

David Prince, the director of bands for Apple Valley High School, agreed, saying, "I think everybody involved had a great time."