Varsity
Julienne Lim
Cristina Fouts
Emmalee McCann
Kiana Elsmore
Sidney Jones
Trevor MacKay
Maggie Lauridsen
Kurt Manuel
Kayla Kassis
Stephanie Ochoa
Juana Cerriteno
Faith Palma
Eliana Stout
Jasmine Ramirez
Milani Taylor
Camila Castellanos
Janais Broussard
Jordon Monge
Meghan Mikenas
Liz Borel
Emily Volpone
Briee Siemen
Amy Filo
Shelby Savage
Samantha Williams
Abigail Butler
Anessa Mikenas
Madison Hultquist
Junior Varsity
Audrey Ward
Samantha Kunze
Hailey Bobbe
Shelbee Justice
Brynna Green
Alina Ornales
Julanne Lipomano
Kaelyn Novelo
Shelby Goodrich
Kaylee Harris
Analee Cornado
Olivia Stout
Victoria DiGiovanni
Grace Hensley
Hannah Gruidl
Andalynne Pudvah
Frosh/Soph
Page Borel
Jamisen Curcio
Alyssa Esterlein
Kady Valdez
Haley Palma
Haley Hinds
Jenna Casimere
Carmella Volpone
Diego Bautista
Jaylan Lingat
Imani Warren
Morgan Nesmith
Ava Jasem
Dominique Riley
Daria Humphrey
Mark Munoz
Carlos Martinez
Germi Tubo
Andrew Sharkey
Ruby Reyes
Music Theory
The primary instruction of the course includes review of pitch and rhythm notation, major and minor scales and key signatures, triads and V7 chords. Teaches 18th century Common Practice, including diatonic 4-part harmonic techniques, progressions, inversions and figured bass, voice leading, non-harmonics, introduction to basic language of counterpoint, cadences, phrase structures, and elementary analysis. Extra grade weight is only offered to those taking Dual Enrollment courses on the VMHS campus.
This is a Mt. San Jacinto Community College course offered on the campus of Vista Murrieta High School. All students must meet MSJC enrollment requirements in order to participate in the class. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn 3 college units and completion of the Music-103 course.
Music Appreciation
This course provides students with a survey of European music styles concentrating on Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern music. The purpose of the course is to develop an understanding of various styles and elements of music, its history, and aesthetics. Extra grade weight is only offered to those taking Dual Enrollment courses on the VMHS campus.
This is a Mt. San Jacinto Community College course offered on the campus of Vista Murrieta High School. All students must meet MSJC enrollment requirements in order to participate in the class. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn 3 college units and completion of the Music-100 course.
Wind Ensemble
This course meets UC/CSU (F) and District graduation requirements for Visual and Performing Arts. The group prepares or performs high-level band works and transcriptions. These works are well suited for this smaller ensemble (35-45 musicians.) The Wind Ensemble represents the school as the finest they have to offer at district and regional festivals and concerts both on and off campus. This ensemble will perform band literature at the college level, covering all genres of musical style.
Concert Band
This course meets UC/CSU (F) and District graduation requirements for Visual & Performing Arts. Both Advanced Marching Band and Advanced Concert Band must be taken to fulfill the one year Visual and Performing Arts requirement. Concert Band is open to all qualified wind and percussion players. The course is oriented toward preparation and performance of high quality band literature as well as encouraging improvement of music fundamentals and technical playing skills. In addition, this ensemble performs outside the regular school day.
Beginning Jazz Band
This course meets District graduation requirements for Visual and Performing Arts. This course introduces jazz concepts; including jazz articulation and style and beginning improvisation techniques. Performances outside of the regular school day are required as part of the grading policy.
Advanced Jazz Band
This course meets UC/CSU (F) and District graduation requirements for Visual and Performing Arts. This course is technically and qualitatively advanced and any student will be required to perform/develop improvisation skills. Performances outside of the regular school day are required as part of the grading policy.
Directors
Donald Wade Director
Donald Wade has been the instrumental music director at Vista Murrieta High School since they opened their doors in the fall of 2003. Before coming to Vista Murrieta he taught at Los Altos High School (Hacienda Heights, CA) and at Jurupa Valley High School (Riverside, CA). Mr. Wade has received many awards and accolades including Vista Murrieta High School "Teacher of the Year" in 2008 and he has been a multiple time recipient of the Crystal Apple Award. He has served as an adjudicator for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC), and Winter Guard International (WGI). Mr. Wade is a graduate of the University of Redlands and holds a Masters Degree in Education. Mr. Wade lives in Murrieta, CA with his wife and their 4 children.
Phil Idell Assistant Director
Phil Idell currently holds a B.A. in Music Education from UCLA, where he studied under Mitchell Peters and participated in the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and several other university ensembles. Mr. Idell also was a section leader in the award-winning UCLA Marching Band, with whom he traveled throughout the country for various NCAA sporting events, and even internationally as a featured performer in the 2010 Ekitopia Festival in Nagoya, Japan.
After graduating from UCLA in 2012, became an extremely active percussion instructor in the greater Los Angeles area. During this time, Mr. Idell had the privilege of teaching some of the activity’s most elite pageantry ensembles, including: Arcadia High School, West Ranch High School, POW Percussion, Mandarins, and Blue Knights. He is currently the Front Ensemble Coordinator for Carolina Crown and Broken City Percussion. In addition, Mr. Idell also served as a music arranger and designer for several programs throughout Southern California and Arizona.
Prior to joining the staff at Vista Murrieta, Mr. Idell served as Music Director at Camarillo High School. He is excited to begin his journey with Vista Murrieta!
Cameron Evans Jazz Director
Cameron Evans is an accomplished saxophonist known for his exceptional mastery of the tenor saxophone. He began his musical journey at the age of 10, quickly developing a deep passion for jazz. His early start provided a solid foundation for what has become a distinguished career in music.
Evans pursued his formal music education at California Baptist University, excelling both academically and artistically. He obtained both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in music, honing his skills and deepening his understanding of the art form.
Throughout his career, Evans has collaborated with a diverse array of prominent artists, such as Oleta Adams, Fred Hammond, Gerald Albright, and Darryl Williams. These experiences have not only expanded his musical repertoire but also highlighted his versatility and talent in various musical genres.
In addition to his performance career, Evans is dedicated to education and serves as a jazz instructor at Vista Murrieta High School. Through his teaching, he imparts his extensive knowledge and passion for jazz, continuing to influence and inspire the next generation of musicians.
Design
Mike Jackson Show Coordinator / Percussion Composer
Visit JacksonPercussion.com
Kevin Shah Winds and Percussion Composer
Visit ProjectRiseMusic.com
James Gow Visual Designer / Caption Head
James Gow is a Southern California native who began his marching career at Vista Murrieta HS before joining Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps (2005-2006) and later going on to march with The Blue Devils (2007-2010).
As a drill designer, James has worked with Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps (2017-2018) and is the current visual designer for The Blue Knights (2018-present). He has served as drill designer for multiple high school programs around the country, including Green Hope, Warren, Etiwanda, Foothill, Temecula Valley, and Great Oak HS. James also designs visual programs for scholastic and independent winter drumlines and is currently a choreographer and visual instructor at Broken City Percussion.
As an instructor, James has taught highly competitive groups in the Southern California area including Vista Murrieta, Mission Viejo, Etiwanda, and Fountain Valley High Schools, and serves as the current visual caption head and choreographer for BOA semi-finalist Vista Murrieta HS. He has been a member of the visual staff for the Sacramento Mandarins (2011), The Cadets (2012), and The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps (2013-2018).
Sergio Marquez-Johnson Visual Consultant
With over 21 years of performance experience and 26 years of teaching experience, Sergio Marquez-Johnson has flourished as both a color guard choreographer, director, and designer. He has had the privilege of teaching and performing with many prestigious groups at the DCI World Class Level, BOA level and all six WGI classification levels.
Sergio has performed with such groups as, West Coast Drum and Bugle Corps, Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, Fantasia Winter Guard, Corona Winter Guard, Esperanza de Luz Winter Guard and Intensity Winter Guard.
Sergio has worked with such groups as Vista Murrieta High School, El Dorado High School, Ayala High School, Chino High School, Nogales High School, Rancho Bernardo High School, Vandergrift High School, Skyridge High School, El Dorado High School, ORIGINS Open/World, VOX Artium A/World, Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Esperanza Drum and Bugle Corps and the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. In 2014 and 2015, Sergio was the color guard caption head for the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. In the summers- pre-COVID-19 , Sergio was the Color Guard Curriculum Coordinator for Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics Inc. in Miamisburg, Ohio.
In the Spring of 2023, Sergio received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood and Adolescent Studies, from the California State University San Bernardino.
Currently, Sergio works as a Purchasing Specialist for the Cottonwood School based of El Dorado Hills, California. He also works part-time for Marriott International as a Guest Service Specialist. Sergio serves as the Program Coordinator and Assistant Director at Vox Artium Performing Arts. He resides in Long Beach, CA with his husband Pete Marquez-Johnson of 8 years. The Fall of 2024 will mark Sergio’s 9th season with Vista Murrieta High School.
Visual
Gabe Lopez Instructor
Gabe Lopez is a Vista Murrieta alumni with several years of experience as a performer, instructor, visual designer, and choreographer. Gabe has experience performing with the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps and Broken City Percussion. He has been involved with numerous programs in the area as a music and visual instructor including Vista HS, Ayala HS, Vista Murrieta HS, and several other schools. Gabe has also been a visual designer for multiple scholastic indoor percussion ensembles and was a member of the brass staff at the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. Gabe currently is teaching at the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle corps as a member of the brass instructional team.
Eiley Lopez Visual
Bio coming soon...
Gary Briggs Visual
Gary Briggs is a visual designer and educator living in Orange County, CA. Gary is currently the Visual Caption Head at Blue Devils B Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as an instructor at the Blue Devils, RCC Indoor Percussion and Vista Murrieta High School. He is also a visual designer for marching bands and indoor drumlines across the country.
A native of the Bay Area, Gary graduated from Amador Valley High School and performed with the Blue Devils B and Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps, before moving to Southern California to study Music Performance at California State University, Long Beach.
Gary has previously taught many groups across California, including Ayala, Chino, Fountain Valley, Amador Valley, Homestead and Live Oak High Schools, as well as the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps from 2019-21.
Percussion
Veronica Wicks Caption Head
Veronica is a percussion educator in Southern California with an additional background of study in psychology and social work. She has taught many schools throughout her teaching career and is dedicated to educating young adults through music and mentorship. Veronica's previous experience ranges from teaching and designing for several high schools throughout Southern California along with drum corps to include battery education and Percussion Caption Head of the Blue Knights (2014 - 2019). Veronica currently teaches and designs for battery percussion at several high schools to include scholastic world groups Vista Murrieta High School and Rowland High School, along with Broken City and Carolina Crown.
Chrystopher Berumen Front Ensemble
Chrystopher Berumen is a Vista Murrieta Alumnus and has been involved in the percussion world for almost 10 years. He has performed with Broken City Percussion, Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, Pulse Percussion, and Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. He is currently attending University of California San Diego and pursuing his bachelors in Education Sciences in hopes of becoming a High School Counselor.>
Zach Boromeo Battery
Born and raised in Spring, Texas, Zach Borromeo started his marching career at Spring High School, where he also studied chamber and orchestral percussion under Terry McKinney (Baton Rouge Symphony). Upon graduating in 2015, he went on to study under Matthew Strauss (Houston Symphony), and world-renowned percussionist Svet Stoyanov. Zach has performed with the TMEA All-State Orchestra, and with the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Percussion Studio at University of Miami. His marching experience includes Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, University of Miami Marching Band, Monarch Independent Percussion, and Broken City Percussion.
As an educator, he has worked with Klein Forest High School (Spring, TX), and Spring High School (Spring, TX), where he served as Battery Coordinator. Zach is currently on staff for Carolina Crown, Broken City, and Warm Springs Middle School.
Dominick Villaverde Battery
Dominick is a Southern California based educator and has been involved with marching percussion since 2014. Graduating from Diamond Bar HS in 2017, he went on to obtain a degree in Pure Mathematics from Cal Poly Pomona in the Spring of 2021 with a specification in Secondary Teaching along with continuing his involvement in the marching arts. While obtaining his degree, he would march DCI groups Pacific Crest (2016-2017), Mandarins (2019), Blue Devils (2020), as well as WGI groups POW Percussion (2018), and Broken City (2019-2022).
Currently, Dominick is a performer for the LA Chargers Thunderbolts Drumline. Since graduating in high school, Dominick has taught in a handful of ensembles throughout the Southern California area including North Torrance HS, El Modena HS, Diamond Bar HS, Claremont HS, Nogales HS, La Quinta HS, Etiwanda HS, POW Percussion, and currently works at El Dorado HS, Vista Murrieta HS, and Meraki Percussion. He has also gone on to teach DCI groups Gold, and currently both Pacific Crest and Blue Devils B as well as helped design visual aesthetics for both Meraki Percussion and Glendora HS.
Liam Maxwell Battery
Liam Maxwell is a percussion educator and composer currently residing in Southern California. As a performer, Liam is proud to have performed with many ensembles ensembles including Heat Wave, The Blue Knights, Veritas, Carolina Crown, and Broken City Percussion. Currently, Liam is on the educational staff at Carolina Crown and Vista Murrieta High School.
Color Guard
Jasmine Metz Caption Head
Jasmine was born in San Diego, CA, and moved to Murrieta in 2002 where she now lives with her husband and their two adorable dogs, Zero and Winnie. She currently works as a shift supervisor at Starbucks and received her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Film and Media Studies and Psychology in December of 2022.
Jasmine started her Colorguard career in 2010 with VMHS and became captain her senior year. She began volunteering her time helping at band camps upon graduation in 2013 and was hired on as a staff member in 2015. She performed with Fantasia Winterguard from 2014-2018 where she was captain for her final 2 years. Jasmine also performed with Gold Drum and Bugle Corps in 2017, and the RCC Marching Tigers for the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in addition to participating in numerous gigs for private companies and films. Jasmine has volunteered at Dorothy Mcelhinney Middle School and Warm Springs Middle School, taught Fantasia Winterguard’s A team in 2020, and has written choreography for Ramona High School Drum Line and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She also has a performance background in Dance, acting, and musical theater and has earned many leadership and performance awards throughout her 17 years of combined experience.
Nico Martinez Instructor
Nico Martinez was born and raised in Riverside California. He graduated from Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, Ca where he was a part of the instrumental music program. After graduating, he attended Riverside City College where he studied music education and saxophone performance for 4 years. Along with performing with the RCC Marching Tigers from 2010-2014, he joined the world class winter guard, Fantasia, and has been a part of that competitive program for the seasons of 2014-2017.
Nico has worked with color guard programs such as Sierra Vista HS, Canyon Springs HS, and Monrovia HS. Although his teaching experience as a color guard tech is still developing, he is humbled to be a part of the staff at Vista Murrieta.
Nico currently works full time as a supervisor at Starbucks and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business and Communications at Arizona State University's online program.
Shelby Savage Instructor
Shelby Savage, a Vista Murrieta Golden Alliance alumni started her colorguard career at 11 years old. While at Vista she was a member of the Sapphire Varsity team all four years and served as a Captain her senior year. After completing 7 years of performing herself as well as volunteer coaching at the local feeder schools, she became a summer clinic instructor for one of the most prestigious performance corps company, Fred J. Miller where she traveled and taught kids from all over the country. Upon her return she became a Dorothy MchEllhinney Middle School Colorguard staff member in 2019-2020 and served as Director in 2020-2021. As a lover of the arts and teaching Shelby was excited to return to what she calls home here with the Sapphires back in 2021.
General
- Student Handbook 2020-04-21
- Booster Organization
Membership & Registration
- Marching Band & Color Guard Donation Schedule 2024-08-27
- Click Here to Register for Concert Band Only 2024-08-27
- Concert Only Donation Schedule 2024-25 2024-08-27
- Click Here to Register for Jazz & Concert (Non-Marching) 2024-08-27
- Jazz & Concert Donation Schedule 2024-25 2024-08-27
- Click Here to Register for Jazz 2024-08-27
- Jazz Donation Schedule 2024-25 2024-08-27
- Questions and Answers 2024-25 2024-02-12
- Instrument Rental 2023-05-04
Audition Instructions & Materials
- Winds Audition Instructions 2024-04-21
- Concert Percussion Audition Instructions 2024-04-21
- Jazz 2024-04-24
- Front Ensemble 2024-04-23
- Battery 2024-04-23
- Flute 2024-04-21
- Clarinet 2024-04-21
- Bass Clarinet 2024-04-21
- Oboe 2024-04-21
- Bassoon 2024-04-21
- Alto Sax 2024-04-21
- Tenor Sax 2024-04-21
- Bari Sax 2024-04-21
- Horn 2024-04-21
- Trumpet 2024-04-21
- Euphonium/Baritone 2024-04-21
- Trombone 2024-04-21
- Tuba 2024-04-21
- Marimba 2024-04-21
- Concert Snare 2024-04-23
- Timpani 2024-04-21
- Rubric & Survey 2023-04-15
- Band & Color Guard Grade Check 2023-04-15
- Full Range Chromatic - Full Score 2023-04-15
Forms
- Absence Excuse Form
- Self Administration Authorization MVUSD 2021-05-13
- Volunteer Registration Form 2021-08-04
Audition Results
- Wind Ensemble I 2024-05-14
- Wind Ensemble II 2024-05-14
- Concert Band I 2024-05-15
- Concert Band II 2024-05-14
- Jazz 2024-05-16
Class Information & Assignments
- Four Year Planner 2024-25 2024-02-12
- Four Year Planner 2024-25 Color Guard 2024-02-12
- Instrument Rental Info 2023-09-18
- Instrument Supply Lists 2022-04-05
- Wind Ensemble & Concert Band Syllabus 2020-04-21
- Percussion Syllabus 2020-04-21
- Performance Corps Syllabus 2020-04-21
The Vista Murrieta High School Instrumental Music Program provides an opportunity for students to develop an appreciation for music and encourages the skills and discipline necessary for achieving musical excellence throughout a lifetime of experiences. Students can learn the importance of a cooperative team effort while working with fellow members to accomplish the shared goals of the program. Music students have fun meeting new friends and traveling to new and exciting places. In addition, the program challenges students in areas of personal growth and musicianship.
Awards
2016 Al Castronovo Esprit de Corps National Award
"The one group most exhibiting pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, and unity of purpose for the activity of marching bands in this country"
2016 Sudler Shield Winner - International Award
The John Philip Sousa Foundation created the Sudler Shield Award to establish and support international standards of excellence in musical performance, marching execution, choreography, and show design for high school, youth or international marching bands.
"To identify, recognize, and honor the outstanding high school marching band who is at a world class level of excellence"
Awards
2016 Al Castronovo Esprit de Corps National Award
"The one group most exhibiting pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, and unity of purpose for the activity of marching bands in this country"
2016 Sudler Shield Winner - International Award
The John Philip Sousa Foundation created the Sudler Shield Award to establish and support international standards of excellence in musical performance, marching execution, choreography, and show design for high school, youth or international marching bands.
"To identify, recognize, and honor the outstanding high school marching band who is at a world class level of excellence"
Legacy
Program Established
The Instrumental Music Program was formed in 2003 when Vista Murrieta HS opened. Directed by Donald Wade, the band only competed in parades during its first season. The first parade the band performed in was the Rancho Cucamonga Founders' Day Parade. Because the school was not completely built yet, SPA I was held at Shivela Middle School. Color Guard and Drumline competed during indoor season. The Golden Alliance Marching Band began building the foundation of Vista Murrieta's tradition of excellence.
Golden Alliance Debut
2004 was the year the Golden Alliance debuted on the field. This was also the first year Vista Murrieta had a Varsity football team, and the band performed pep music during games and field shows at half time. The band competed in SCSBOA Division 4A. The first field show competition the GA competed in was the Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands. Winter Guard competed indoor second semester, improving leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Blue Devils veteran Staysha Davis. Drumline, instead of competing indoors, put on a stage show entitled 20,000 Beats Out on the Street. The Wind Ensemble achieved Superior ratings in concert performance and sight-reading at festival.
The Golden Alliance kicked it up a notch in 2005, performing at the top of SCSBOA Division 5A. The field show, City of Angels, was based on a story of a 1920s film writer who used the big screen to live out his alter ego. The band took First Place at a number of competitions during the season and won the Sweepstakes Award for General Effect at the Temecula Valley Field Tournament. The GA was invited to Championships for the first time and took an impressive 8th place overall.
In 2006, the Golden Alliance competed as a 6A band with over 200 members. They participated in a Bands of America regional competition held at the Los Angeles Coliseum and took 5th place with a score of 81.60. A video of the GA's final performance of the 2006 marching season can be seen here. In the spring of 2007, the Vista Murrieta Wind Ensemble achieved unanimous superior ratings at a concert festival, thus allowing them to attend an SCSBOA Regional Festival. The Wind Ensemble attended a regional festival and was once again awarded unanimous superior ratings.
In 2007, the bar was raised to a new level. With their show entitled "Heroes", the GA made finals at numerous field tournaments including two Bands of America Regional Championships in Flagstaff, AZ and Los Angeles. The band also appeared in the nationally-televised "Hollywood Christmas Parade" on November 25th.
In November 2008, the Golden Alliance competed at the first Grand Nationals competition held in the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Out of 92 bands, the group advanced to semi-finals; a very honorable position, especially considering how young the group was. Most importantly, the band was awarded the "Espirit de Corps" Award which is given to any participating group which displayed the highest level of integrity, respect, and character. This prestigious award reflects the true purpose of marching band: to make better people through music.
Legacy
Program Established
The Instrumental Music Program was formed in 2003 when Vista Murrieta HS opened. Directed by Donald Wade, the band only competed in parades during its first season. The first parade the band performed in was the Rancho Cucamonga Founders' Day Parade. Because the school was not completely built yet, SPA I was held at Shivela Middle School. Color Guard and Drumline competed during indoor season. The Golden Alliance Marching Band began building the foundation of Vista Murrieta's tradition of excellence.
Golden Alliance Debut
2004 was the year the Golden Alliance debuted on the field. This was also the first year Vista Murrieta had a Varsity football team, and the band performed pep music during games and field shows at half time. The band competed in SCSBOA Division 4A. The first field show competition the GA competed in was the Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands. Winter Guard competed indoor second semester, improving leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Blue Devils veteran Staysha Davis. Drumline, instead of competing indoors, put on a stage show entitled 20,000 Beats Out on the Street. The Wind Ensemble achieved Superior ratings in concert performance and sight-reading at festival.
The Golden Alliance kicked it up a notch in 2005, performing at the top of SCSBOA Division 5A. The field show, City of Angels, was based on a story of a 1920s film writer who used the big screen to live out his alter ego. The band took First Place at a number of competitions during the season and won the Sweepstakes Award for General Effect at the Temecula Valley Field Tournament. The GA was invited to Championships for the first time and took an impressive 8th place overall.
In 2006, the Golden Alliance competed as a 6A band with over 200 members. They participated in a Bands of America regional competition held at the Los Angeles Coliseum and took 5th place with a score of 81.60. A video of the GA's final performance of the 2006 marching season can be seen here. In the spring of 2007, the Vista Murrieta Wind Ensemble achieved unanimous superior ratings at a concert festival, thus allowing them to attend an SCSBOA Regional Festival. The Wind Ensemble attended a regional festival and was once again awarded unanimous superior ratings.
In 2007, the bar was raised to a new level. With their show entitled "Heroes", the GA made finals at numerous field tournaments including two Bands of America Regional Championships in Flagstaff, AZ and Los Angeles. The band also appeared in the nationally-televised "Hollywood Christmas Parade" on November 25th.
In November 2008, the Golden Alliance competed at the first Grand Nationals competition held in the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Out of 92 bands, the group advanced to semi-finals; a very honorable position, especially considering how young the group was. Most importantly, the band was awarded the "Espirit de Corps" Award which is given to any participating group which displayed the highest level of integrity, respect, and character. This prestigious award reflects the true purpose of marching band: to make better people through music.
Vista Murrieta High School Band & Color Guard Program
The Vista Murrieta High School attendance zone incorporates a feeder system that includes three middle schools and five elementary schools. Instrumental music begins at the 5th grade level at all elementary schools.
At the high school level, all wind and percussion students participate in one of four concert ensembles. The Vista Murrieta Concert Ensembles, offered as yearlong programs, are the foundation of the band organization, preparing and performing several concerts throughout the year. The Wind Ensemble (top ensemble) is recognized as being one of the best of its category in the state. Many graduates from the Wind Ensemble have earned full tuition music scholarships to various prestigious university music programs all across the country.
All wind and percussion students also participate in a "Solo and Small Ensemble" festival. These music festivals are locally sponsored and provide our students the opportunity to perform a solo and/or in a small ensemble and have their performances critiqued by a professional adjudicator.
Many of our concert students go on to audition for and are selected for local and state honor bands including the Riverside City College "John Phillip Sousa Honor Band, the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) "All-Southern Honor Band", and the California Music EducatorsAssociation (CBDA) "All-State Honor Band".
Students also have the option of enrolling in one of our three award winning jazz ensembles, each known for excellence in their class. In addition to performing in a number of home concerts and community events, our ensembles compete in local, regional, and national level jazz competitions. Our top ensembles regularly participate in the Reno Jazz Festival and the national "Essentially Ellington"competition. The VMHS Jazz program has ushered the way for many students into honor jazz ensembles, audition-based ensembles such as the Riverside City College "Ellington Honor Jazz Ensemble"and the SCSBOA All-Southern Jazz Ensemble. Our jazz program is also known for hosting acclaimed guest artists, allowing students the privilege of performing with jazz greats such as Wayne Bergeron, Jay Mason, Don Clarke, Charlie Peterson, Eric Marienthal and more.
A majority of the band's students are also enrolled in the nationally recognized Vista Murrieta Marching Band. In addition to serving as musical entertainment and support for our varsity football team, the approximately 230 members of the VM Marching Band also represent Vista Murrieta High School at local, regional, and national level competitions, including the Western Band Association (WBA) and Bands of America (BOA). The marching band was a semi-finalist band in the 2008 Bands of America Grand National Championships held in Indianapolis, Indiana and was awarded the "Al Castronovo Espirt de Corps Award", presented to the "one group most exhibiting pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, and unity of purpose for the activity of marching bands in this country" (BOA Adjudication Handbook).
At the close of fall marching band season, our percussion and color guard students go on to participate in one of two winter drum line ensembles or in one of three winter color guard teams offered through our comprehensive program. Each year, our winter drum line participates in the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) competition and has consistently been a finalist in the circuit championships. Our winter color guard teams perform in local competitions sponsored by the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC) and in Winter Guard International (WGI) regional events and have won numerous accolades at circuit championships.
The Vista Murrieta Band Program is consistently supported by the incredible network of parents who comprise the band booster organization. Year after year these individuals, in partnership with our band families, perform extraordinary efforts to provide financial, physical, and moral support to the wonderful students in the Vista Murrieta High School wind, percussion, and color guard programs.
Vista Murrieta High School Band & Color Guard Program
The Vista Murrieta High School attendance zone incorporates a feeder system that includes three middle schools and five elementary schools. Instrumental music begins at the 5th grade level at all elementary schools.
At the high school level, all wind and percussion students participate in one of four concert ensembles. The Vista Murrieta Concert Ensembles, offered as yearlong programs, are the foundation of the band organization, preparing and performing several concerts throughout the year. The Wind Ensemble (top ensemble) is recognized as being one of the best of its category in the state. Many graduates from the Wind Ensemble have earned full tuition music scholarships to various prestigious university music programs all across the country.
All wind and percussion students also participate in a "Solo and Small Ensemble" festival. These music festivals are locally sponsored and provide our students the opportunity to perform a solo and/or in a small ensemble and have their performances critiqued by a professional adjudicator.
Many of our concert students go on to audition for and are selected for local and state honor bands including the Riverside City College "John Phillip Sousa Honor Band, the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) "All-Southern Honor Band", and the California Music EducatorsAssociation (CBDA) "All-State Honor Band".
Students also have the option of enrolling in one of our three award winning jazz ensembles, each known for excellence in their class. In addition to performing in a number of home concerts and community events, our ensembles compete in local, regional, and national level jazz competitions. Our top ensembles regularly participate in the Reno Jazz Festival and the national "Essentially Ellington"competition. The VMHS Jazz program has ushered the way for many students into honor jazz ensembles, audition-based ensembles such as the Riverside City College "Ellington Honor Jazz Ensemble"and the SCSBOA All-Southern Jazz Ensemble. Our jazz program is also known for hosting acclaimed guest artists, allowing students the privilege of performing with jazz greats such as Wayne Bergeron, Jay Mason, Don Clarke, Charlie Peterson, Eric Marienthal and more.
A majority of the band's students are also enrolled in the nationally recognized Vista Murrieta Marching Band. In addition to serving as musical entertainment and support for our varsity football team, the approximately 230 members of the VM Marching Band also represent Vista Murrieta High School at local, regional, and national level competitions, including the Western Band Association (WBA) and Bands of America (BOA). The marching band was a semi-finalist band in the 2008 Bands of America Grand National Championships held in Indianapolis, Indiana and was awarded the "Al Castronovo Espirt de Corps Award", presented to the "one group most exhibiting pride, spirit, enthusiasm, friendliness, and unity of purpose for the activity of marching bands in this country" (BOA Adjudication Handbook).
At the close of fall marching band season, our percussion and color guard students go on to participate in one of two winter drum line ensembles or in one of three winter color guard teams offered through our comprehensive program. Each year, our winter drum line participates in the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) competition and has consistently been a finalist in the circuit championships. Our winter color guard teams perform in local competitions sponsored by the Winter Guard Association of Southern California (WGASC) and in Winter Guard International (WGI) regional events and have won numerous accolades at circuit championships.
The Vista Murrieta Band Program is consistently supported by the incredible network of parents who comprise the band booster organization. Year after year these individuals, in partnership with our band families, perform extraordinary efforts to provide financial, physical, and moral support to the wonderful students in the Vista Murrieta High School wind, percussion, and color guard programs.
Our Campus
Vista Murrieta High School, located in Murrieta, California opened its doors in 2003. The city of Murrieta is about 35 miles south of the center of Riverside and 60 miles north of San Diego.
Current VMHS enrollment is approximately 3600 students, including grades 9 through 12. Vista Murrieta is a 2009 California Distinguished School, MaxPreps "Most Spirited High School in the Nation" for two consecutive years, and a CIF Champion School of Character.
The school offers an excellent and diverse academic program, award-winning student activities programs, outstanding interscholastic athletic and performing arts programs as well as many other social and academic enrichment opportunities. The VMHS motto, "C.L.A.S.S." (Character, Leadership, Attitude, Scholarship, and Service), sets a standard for the success of all students and permeates every aspect of the school's culture and environment.
Our Campus
Vista Murrieta High School, located in Murrieta, California opened its doors in 2003. The city of Murrieta is about 35 miles south of the center of Riverside and 60 miles north of San Diego.
Current VMHS enrollment is approximately 3600 students, including grades 9 through 12. Vista Murrieta is a 2009 California Distinguished School, MaxPreps "Most Spirited High School in the Nation" for two consecutive years, and a CIF Champion School of Character.
The school offers an excellent and diverse academic program, award-winning student activities programs, outstanding interscholastic athletic and performing arts programs as well as many other social and academic enrichment opportunities. The VMHS motto, "C.L.A.S.S." (Character, Leadership, Attitude, Scholarship, and Service), sets a standard for the success of all students and permeates every aspect of the school's culture and environment.
Our District
The Murrieta Valley Unified School District is located in Murrieta, California on the southwestern edge of Riverside County. Murrieta Valley Unified School District educates 22,700 students from transitional kindergarten through high school with an excellent, comprehensive academic program. Students participate in highly acclaimed visual and performing arts programs, championship interscholastic athletic programs and nationally recognized student activities programs. The student-centered educational program emphasizes a commitment to the academic success of each and every student.
With twelve California Distinguished Schools and a district Academic Performance Index of 852, MVUSD is one of the highest performing districts in Riverside County. Active parent and community involvement coupled with highly qualified teachers and staff has made Murrieta a leader among school districts.
Our District
The Murrieta Valley Unified School District is located in Murrieta, California on the southwestern edge of Riverside County. Murrieta Valley Unified School District educates 22,700 students from transitional kindergarten through high school with an excellent, comprehensive academic program. Students participate in highly acclaimed visual and performing arts programs, championship interscholastic athletic programs and nationally recognized student activities programs. The student-centered educational program emphasizes a commitment to the academic success of each and every student.
With twelve California Distinguished Schools and a district Academic Performance Index of 852, MVUSD is one of the highest performing districts in Riverside County. Active parent and community involvement coupled with highly qualified teachers and staff has made Murrieta a leader among school districts.
Donald Wade // Director
dwade@murrieta.k12.ca.us
Carrey Brown // Booster President
vmhsbandcarrey@gmail.com
Gina Jones // Booster Treasurer
vmhsga@gmail.com
Vista Murrieta High School
28251 Clinton Keith Rd
Murrieta, CA 92563
951.894.5750 Ext. 6747 or Ext. 6748
Murrieta Valley Unified School District
41870 McAlby Ct
Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 696-1600
Please send hard copy invoices to:
Vista Murrieta HS Band Boosters, Inc.
25060 Hancock Ave Suite 103-123
Murrieta, CA 92562
The Parent Association Club is an excellent way for parents to get involved in the Instrumental Music Programs and Color Guard. The purpose of the organization is to promote and support the instrumental music students and visual performing groups of the VMHS Instrumental Music Program. They promote and encourage musical excellence in the program, teamwork and cooperation in all activities, and an environment of mutual respect and dignity.
The Band Boosters serve the VMHS Band & Color Guard publicly, physically, and financially.
- Publicly: They communicate the exceptional quality of the program to the community at large.
- Physically: They serve as volunteers whenever and wherever needed. They organize meals at SPA, drive equipment trucks to competitions, manage uniforms, sell tickets for concerts, and hundreds of other jobs that just have to be done.
- Financially: They ensure the success of the instrumental music program by keeping the program financially stable. They plan and organize fundraisers, sponsorships, and manage the budget.
Because the Band Boosters are such an integral part of a successful program, adequate parental involvement is key. You don't need to have a background in music to participate, you don't need to be a stay-at-home mom, and you don't even need to be a mom! (Dads are strongly encouraged to join and help!!!) No matter what your expertise is, it will be of use to us, and it will be greatly appreciated.
Anyone with backgrounds in accounting, communications, construction, counseling, designing, driving, electrical, engineering, event planning, inventory, legal counsel, management, mechanics, programming, repair, retail, sales, scheduling, secretarial, sewing, warehousing, writing, web design, and MORE will be useful to the smooth operation of the program.
Band parents provide the tools of every trade so our students can enjoy an endless source of practical knowledge and wisdom unselfishly shared with our musical community. Without fail, EVERYONE has something to give. However, your most important contribution will always be your presence.
Simply being involved sends a powerful message to your son or daughter. You become a role model of conviction. There is no substitute for this precious and priceless gift.