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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.

2023 Production

​Title:   FROM THERE TO HERE

Our WBA profile




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.



Design

Kevin Shah Winds and Percussion Composer

Visit ProjectRiseMusic.com


Mike Jackson Percussion Composer

Visit JacksonPercussion.com



Visual

James Gow 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).


Cameron McCabe Instructor

I am an alumni of Vista Murrieta and graduated back in 2016. I marched Alto Sax for 2 years and served 2 years as the Drum Major for the Golden Alliance.
After graduation, I moved to Bozeman, Montana to study at Montana State University. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development. While a student, I was a part of the college’s marching band, the Spirit of the West. I marched 2 years as an Alto Sax and served 2 years as the Drum Major with this band. For the 4 years I was also a member of the Music Service Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, in which I served as President for a year. After graduating from Montana State, I stuck around and worked as the marching band’s social media manager. I have now moved back to Southern California and I am now working on my getting my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University.


Gabe Lopez

Coming Soon



Percussion

Veronica Wicks Battery Manager

Veronica holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. She held the positions of Battery Manager and Percussion Caption Head at the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps from 2014 to 2019. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Broken City while continuing her love of tenors as an instructor.


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 currently works with Warm Springs Middle School, Murrieta Mesa High School, and Vista Murrieta High School.


Dominick Villaverde Battery

Dominick is a bass line specialist that has marched at the highest level since 2016 in both DCI and WGI. He has recently completed his final season with Broken City.


RJ Bailey Front Ensemble Manager

RJ Bailey has been an active performer and instructor in the percussion world for the last five years. He has been a member of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, POW Percussion, Minnesota Brass, and Broken City Percussion. Currently, RJ is a performer with RCC’s indoor program. An active educator, RJ currently is the front ensemble caption head for Vista Murrieta High School.


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.



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 Assistant Caption Head

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

Membership & Registration

Audition Instructions & Materials

Forms

Audition Results

Class Information & Assignments

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"


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.


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.

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.

  1. Publicly: They communicate the exceptional quality of the program to the community at large.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Have Fun! Volunteer! Socialize! Support the Students!