Fountain Valley High School’s Royal Regiment (FVRR) placed second overall in the state at the California State Band Championships held at Bolsa Grande High School on Nov. 23. The FVRR competed against the top 16 1A-3A class bands.
Under the direction of band director Jackson Lai, FVRR has placed in the top two spots at every competition during the 2024 fall season.
“This season of marching band was truly a special one filled with success and triumphs,” Lai said. “It was all due to the students and their trust in the process, their dedication, work ethic, perseverance, and camaraderie.”
Band and color guard members worked for months leading up to the triumph. Through two weeks of 9-hour days at summer band camp and three nights a week of after school rehearsals, these students showed their discipline and dedication.
“It has been an honor to work with such a dedicated and hardworking team,” said color guard coach and choreographer Jorge Melchor. “The commitment and team spirit demonstrated by these talented and amazing kids have been truly inspiring.”
A great deal of teamwork takes place between the varied band sections (brass, woodwinds, battery, front ensemble and color guard) as well as between the FVRR support staff.
None of this could have been achieved without Donovan Alanes (percussion director), Arturo Castro (brass instructor), Matthew Nelson (woodwinds instructor), AJ Tan, (front ensemble instructor), Kenyan Toy, (color guard choreographer) and Izzy Navarro (color guard tech and former FVRR member).
Special recognition must also be given to student leaders as drum majors and captains: Haruka Toyama, Thomas Hartman, Hannah Rothenberger, Ema Terada, Chance Nguyen, Ethan Terry, and Tyson VanderBurgh.
“I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of the FVRR and my eternal gratitude goes out to our most amazing students, families, staff, administration and community for believing in the magic of music that our program provides,” Lai said.
Although competition season has ended, the band plays on. In December, FVRR traveled to Hawaii to march in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. After that, many students have continued with performances in orchestra, jazz band, symphonic band, concert strings, percussion and Winter Guard.
Noted color guard coach Melchor: “It has been a privilege to coach such a remarkable group, and I am excited for what the future holds. The students are having an experience they will never forget.” Added Lai: “While trophies and medals are great to receive, it is the experiences throughout all practices, rehearsals, warmups, performances, and connections with each other that build everlasting memories.”