Santa Anna High School’s Mighty Mountaineer Band competed in sight reading and concert last week, hoping to earn the coveted “Sweepstakes” award for the 2nd year in a row. Sweepstakes happens when the band earns straight “1’s” from the judges in all three categories: marching, sight reading and concert. Last year, they were the first Santa Anna band to win Sweepstakes in 16 years. On last Thursday, they sealed their historic run by winning Sweepstakes yet again.
“This band is full of talented students. This is the best Santa Anna band I ever had, one of the best in my career. I’m very sad to see some of my great musicians graduate, but I’m excited to see who will replace them in the future,” says band director Jerry Barker.
“I joined band to gain confidence and find a community of musically inclined individuals. Band prepares you for life in ways you couldn’t imagine,” says Ariel Guthrie, a 4-year member of the band and one of the graduating seniors. “Band has helped me to be a leader and find my love for music,” says graduating senior Tatum Cantu. Both Ariel and Tatum are drum majors for the band.
Thank you, Mighty Mountaineer Band for playing with excellence and representing our school so well. We are proud of all your accomplishments and look forward to many more in the future.
Written bySeniors, Margie Sandoval, Bruce Brown, and Becket Guthrie
