Pride of the Vikings Prepping for Parade Show

West Ranch High School performs at 7th Annual Pride of the Vikings Field Show Tournament at Valencia high School on November 8, 2018 Dan Watson/The Signal
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By Brennon Dixson
Signal Staff Writer

After a successful seventh annual Pride of the Vikings Field Show Tournament last Thursday, members of Valencia High School’s marching band and color guard are eager for their upcoming performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York.

More than 1,200 performers from local southern California high schools gathered last Thursday at Valencia High, where the schools showcased the typical artistic visual pageantry, heart-pounding music and innovative marching formation designs that are typically found at field shows across the SCV, said Terry Collier, a media representative for the Valencia High School Band & Flag Boosters.

With rifles, sabers and other props in hand, color guards and bands representing nearly 20 schools battled to secure the show’s awards, a higher ranking and a spot in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association championship competition.

Band director Mark Judd and members of the Visual and Music Design Team crafted a program called “New York Cityscapes,” said Collier, “which musically conceptualizes the unique energy of New York. With the political landscape being divisive sometimes, we thought we’d share a beautiful story about how music brings us together. We all have the mutual love for music.”

By incorporating music genres, such as jazz and other elements that reflect the city’s cultural diversity, the show celebrates the melting pot of a city that is New York, according to Collier. The performance features the prominent boroughs and Broadway before turning to Ellis Island, where the band projects historical pictures of children and parents arriving.

The goal was to create a unique performance that musically and visually represents New York, Collier said, adding the team was quite successful.

“These band and color guard students have worked very hard since the beginning of the summer this year, and we are so proud of their accomplishments,” Valencia High Principal Steve Ford added. As a school that encourages students to excel in academics, sports and the fine arts, this is an important event for Valencia High School

“It brings us joy to offer ways that bring the Santa Clarita Community together,” Ford said. “I strongly encourage everyone in the area to support the music program and enjoy the great performances from these school bands in the surrounding communities.”

All proceeds from last Thursday’s tournament will be used for ongoing fundraising efforts of VHS’s music program, said Channon Morris, president of the boosters board. “We encourage businesses to visit our website for great opportunities to be a sponsor.”

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