Capistrano Valley HS Marching Band Repeats as Champions

MISSION VIEJO—The Black and Gold Brigade from Capistrano Valley High School (CVHS) won back-to-back state titles on Saturday at the Southern California Judging Association’s (SCJA) California State Band Championships.

     The brigade has now won four state championships since 2002, bolstering its claim as one of Southern California’s premier high school marching bands. In addition to its first-place award, CVHS also took home four sweepstakes trophies. These included high (best) music, high (best) visual, high (best) percussion and high general (overall) effect. Sweepstakes awards go to the bands judged to be the best among all the other schools competing in the division.

     “Back in August, we knew as a staff and design team that this show could be something special,” Band Director Andy Waldukat said. “I was very proud that our students got to raise their helmets and finish the season with their best performance of the year at the championships.”

     CVHS won titles in 2002 and 2006 at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association field championships. In 2009, the band won its first SCJA title. This year’s theme was “The Gypsy Life,” and, in addition to the musicians, included a lively, theatrically choreographed performance by the 17-member color guard dressed as gypsies.

     “Winning back-to-back SCJA Championships is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, administration, staff and parent volunteers of the Black and Gold Brigade,” Waldukat said. “Each group played an important role in the success of the final performance on the field.”

     In addition to its state win, the CVHS marching band also took first place division trophies at the Marching Band Open Series Competition and the Surf City Open earlier this season.

     For more information about the CVHS music program, visit www.cvhsmusic.org.