The CMEA Music Competition on April 26, was a huge success for Amador because of our excellent overall ranking and the performance from each of the ensembles.

Our symphonic band especially blew the crowd away with special performances from Honoré Alexander (’22) and Lyle Elster (‘22).

Both students agreed that the performance was very competitive and that they both put in the effort to get the results they wanted.

“[In the coming years, I will] focus more on supporting the rest of the musical group in any way possible because music is a cool and fun way to express myself,” said Elster.

Elster has been practicing drums for the past 13 years and is excited to see what Jazz Band B will hold next year.

Another student Nina Lim (’19) plays for the Concert Percussion and she has been playing since freshman year. Unfortunately, though, she missed the CMEA competition due to personal reasons.

“Every year, the Amador Wind Ensemble always seems to do well at CMEA. In all my experiences, we’ve been placed in the ‘Unanimous Superior’ category,” said Lim. 

Something people don’t think about is all the work that it takes to support such a talented group. No one can deny that the hard work of the music directors, Mr. Grantham, Mr. Aubel, and Mr. Dandrea improves the music program.

“I think the students consistently perform outstandingly and I am very proud of how they help the event to run smoothly. Outside of band I feel very fortunate to teach at Amador for 17 years now, because the students are pretty special. Keep being awesome Amador! You make coming to work every day worth it!” said Mr. Grantham, Amador band director

Overall, Amador had another wonderful CMEA festival and groups like our Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble placed superior and everyone else got excellent.