Ayala hosted its 18th Annual Music in Motion (MIM) tournament on Saturday, October 11, filling Bulldog Stadium with enthusiasm and energy. For the last performance of the night, Ayala Band and Colorguard (BAC) showcased their 2025 program “The Never-Ending Staircase” and brought home 3rd place in division 5A with a score of 78.088. For high visuals, there was a three-way tie between Ayala High School, Chino Hills High School, and Vista Murrieta High School. These results speak for themselves, showing just how much passion, effort, and commitment BAC funneled into their show.
“Our performance is an expression of who we are,” James Durazo (10), a BAC member, said. “We take pride in being in this program so we expect to always give them the best versions of ourselves and nothing less.”
MIM is the first Western Bands Association (WBA) field tournament of every season and one of the largest tournaments of the year, which Ayala has had the privilege of organizing for over a decade. Additionally, being the second competition of BAC’s season, anticipation is built to see how BAC performs to determine the mood for the season.
“Something that makes Music in Motion so special is that we get to perform at our own school and give a good first impression to all of the bands going,” Britney Le (10), a member of Ayala Band, said.
Since the beginning of their season, BAC has been working tirelessly to prepare not only for MIM, but for their entire year. Practice went beyond the past two months of school, and actually began back in May. BAC members infamously have the longest practices on campus than any other program, rehearsing until late in the evening to perfect their performance.
“Every section has been doing their part- learning their music, choreo, and just having a fun time in general,” Le said.
Not only did BAC perform amazingly, the turnout for the event was also notable. Ayala welcomed 27 schools to the competition, splitting them into four divisions. With the performers’ friends and family filling the stands all day long, the energy was unmatched. BAC did not shy away from the large audience and embraced this challenge with open arms.
“Even though crowds are intimidating, it makes it more thrilling to show the audience what we have worked so hard for,” Durazo said.
The length of the event, spanning from the early morning to 8 at night, also allowed it to mean more than just a competition for the performers, but a bonding event and an overall good time. Over the years, MIM has proven to act more than just a tournament but as a pleasurable and welcoming event for anyone who wishes to bask in and celebrate beautiful music.
“The atmosphere of the event is honestly one of the best I’ve ever experienced,” Elle Graffious (10), a member of BAC, said. “All the bands are here to compete against one another, but at the same time, we’re also here to cheer everyone else on.”
Following the high of their amazing season last year, BAC, though content with their results, remains unsatisfied and still striving for excellence. They have taken the results of the tournament as encouragement and a way to improve so they can completely dominate in Fresno at the end of the year.
“This last season has definitely been a motivation because it proves to us that there is always a new level to reach and beat,” Durazo said.
This competition has truly set the stage for BAC’s 2025 season. Future events in the program’s future include a tentative Bands of America (BOA) event on November 1 at Etiwanda High School and a competition at Chino Hills High School on November 8. Kicking off their season with a great start, BAC is ready to keep up the momentum and have truly amazing results and experience this season.
“My hope for this year is to ultimately have everyone end up as a better version of ourselves,” Durazo said. “I hope they can take it off the field and be happy with who they have become.”
