The Cupertino Courier

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Striking up the bands is a longstanding tradition

By RUBY ELBOGEN

The sound of music filled the air for at least a mile in every direction Oct. 14 as 23 high school marching bands from central and northern California arrived in Cupertino to perform at the 36th annual Tournament of Bands.

TOB, hosted by the Cupertino High School's Pioneer Marching Band, is a local tradition. It's the oldest high school band competition in Northern California and is also the longest-running community event in Cupertino. This year's event was also the largest tournament in Cupertino history.

Fremont High School's Firebirds took first place in their division, while Homestead's Mighty Mustang Band walked off with the coveted Sweepstakes Award. Homestead's band tied for sixth place in the state last year for bands that have more than 140 members in the highly competitive Western Band Association California state championship.

Fremont, Homestead and Cupertino are all part of the Fremont Union High School District, and the only schools with marching bands. As host band, the Cupertino Pioneers were not able to compete, but the band did lead the grand parade down Steven's Creek and entertained in the field show.

Giving students the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument means more than developing another skill. Research shows that children who participate in music do better in math, and being part of a band teaches dependability and dedication.

Throughout the tournament, emotions ran high, especially for all the seniors in the Fremont High School District who were playing in their last TOB. Even though the event is hosted by the Pioneers, Fremont High School band director Joe Kelly said, "We consider this our home event as well. This is where all the parents, family and friends come to see us perform for the first time. It's where we have our largest fan base all year. It's a great event we all look forward to."

Homestead High band director John Burn added, "Homestead High is on the Cupertino/Sunnyvale border, so our students come from both Cupertino and Sunnyvale. This year, with 183 musicians, we have the largest band we've ever had. It's our home turf, too, and we're really having a great time at TOB."

The tournament also hosted marching bands from Lynbrook and Sunnyvale's King's Academy.

Cupertino Mayor Richard Lowenthal said, "This is where kids from every background come together to make music, perform and march in a parade.

"We are so proud to have this event in Cupertino."

It takes more than 100 volunteers working many hundreds of hours to make TOB run smoothly while hosting thousands of people. The event also brings dollars into Cupertino's economy from band members, their families and friends.

This year's tournament was the second for Sheldon Galdeira, Cupertino High's band director. He said, "I am happy to have so many high school bands participating. I want to thank all the band directors, judges and officials, the band boosters, parents and band members who made our 36th TOB such a resounding success."

To see Homestead's champion band perform, attend the Mighty Mustangs' Home Show Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. on the Homestead football field. Admission is $5 per person, $15 per family, and ticket sales benefit the Music Boosters.

The band will also march in the Festival of Lights parade Nov. 20 in downtown Los Altos.