On Friday, November 24, the Ayala’s Band and Colorguard (BAC) arrived at Valley Children’s Stadium in Fresno to compete in the Western Band Association (WBA) 4A/5A Grand Championship. The WBA, a prestigious non-profit association, is known for hosting some of the largest marching band championships in the United States. Over the course of three days, Ayala BAC participated in the highly competitive Class 5A championship and state finals, securing an impressive bronze medal in the state championship.

Ayala BAC delivered a dazzling performance across multiple categories, securing third place in effect with a score of 28.5753 and third in music with 28.125. The band tied for second in visuals with 18.205, took second in colorguard with 9.502, and placed third in percussion with 9.603. Overall, Ayala achieved a remarkable total score of 94.550, trailing behind Chino Hills High School’s top score of 95.9752, but maintaining a significant lead over fourth-place Homestead High School, which scored 92.2754.

In the end, Ayala High School achieved an overall score was a notable improvement from previous year, where they placed one spot lower. To the members in Ayala Band and Colorguard, the success was a testament to their dedication and hard work. 

“The show was more mature, the students were more mature about their performance, and the way they played their instrument and just the show itself has been a major improvement from last year,” Band Director Timothy Trost said.

Amongst the 19 schools participating, Ayala BAC performance shined through with their new stylistic choices and more refined skill sets. These improvements earned them overwhelmingly positive feedback from both the Ayala parents and other band parents in the audience. 

“This year, we chose music that was more on a positive, uplighting tone and we ended in a very majestic style,” Trost said. “It seems to be working for Ayala very well.”

The BAC dedicated countless hours to their craft, practicing throughout the school year and often committing up to twelve hours a day over the summer. During the school year, they rehearsed weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for three to four hours at a time. Even upon arriving in Fresno, the band spent half a day refining their performance.

“I decided to give it my all so I think it was definitely one of my best performances I have done this year,” Dominic Lee (12) said. 

The band members trained tirelessly and stayed late into the evening through scorching summer heat and the chilling autumn winds. Perhaps it was this unfaltering commitment and passion that drove them to excel.

“You could just tell by the way they marched, the way they played their music and did choreo, that everyone was into it and striving for first,” band member Khai Dinh (10) said. “It was a beautiful show and I loved marching it.”