Nearly 300 students from Glendale, Hoover, and Crescenta Valley high schools came together at Glendale High School on Saturday, September 26, for GUSD’s first-ever Band Showcase.

The event gave each school an opportunity to perform its field show in front of a large audience of GUSD students, staff, district leaders, families, and community members. The evening began with all three bands joining together to perform the national anthem. Hoover High School then kicked off the showcase with “Interpretations,” followed by Crescenta Valley High School with “GOgh Mad.” Glendale High School closed the showcase with its performance of “Wonderland.”

Unlike a typical football game, where bands may only see another school’s performance from the visitors’ stands or while preparing on the track, the showcase gave each group dedicated time to sit in the stands and watch their peers perform. Throughout the evening, students cheered one another on, sharing their collective passion for music and performance.

The showcase also gave students a competition-style dress rehearsal ahead of the marching band competition season, which begins in early October. Just as importantly, it gave students from across the district a chance to connect, support one another, and celebrate the hard work that goes into each performance.

Following the success of the inaugural event, organizers hope to make the Band Showcase an annual GUSD tradition. 

“This was our first annual Marching Band Showcase, and we’re excited to continue bringing our programs together each year. We’re grateful for the support that made this event possible and to Glendale High School for hosting us,” said Crescenta Valley High School Instrumental Music Director Matthew Schick.

Photos by Glendale High School Alumni, Ellen Kalantaryan