News release
The Valencia High School Pride of the Vikings Band and Color Guard earned top honors at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association’s “Keeping the Music Alive” Field Show Tournament at Oxnard High School, according to a news release from the band program.
Under the direction of Instrumental Music Director Kelvin Flores, the Pride of the Vikings scored a 79.5 in the Division 2A competition. Their stellar execution led to a multitude of awards, including several sweepstakes trophies, the release said.
“I am incredibly proud of our students, parents, and staff for their hard work, dedication, and teamwork,” Flores said in the release. “Their commitment to excellence continues to elevate our program and inspire everyone around them. The Pride of the Vikings will be going into the SCSBOA Championship Prelims (state qualifier) ranked No. 1 in their division.”
According to the release, the Pride of the Vikings earned the following awards in the competition: Division 2A Band: First Place; Division 2A Percussion: Second Place; Color Guard Sweepstakes; General Effect Sweepstakes; and, Visual Effect Sweepstakes.
The Drill Down Sweepstakes award went to Malakai Hatamian. The Drill Down is an elimination game where members compete to be the last person remaining by correctly following a series of rapid marching commands, the release said.
The band’s 2025 show, “Transcendence,” depicts a cathedral’s symbolic journey from light to darkness. The show opens capturing the peaceful interior, then shifts focus to the stained glass, symbolizing how imperfect people can still be sacred. The dark and aggressive final movement spotlights the protective gargoyles, representing old fears, wisdom and strength.
The show features a score woven from classical and rock selections: J.S. Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” and “Little Fugue in G Minor,” Richard Wagner’s “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral,” and The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.”
