On October 18th, the Amador Valley High School Marching Band competed in their first competition of the season. The band competed at Independence High School as part of the Western Band Association circuit. Their 2025 production, “Bonjour Bonjour,” earned 1st place with a score of 80.55.
“The thing I have been really impressed with this season is even when people are tired, there is a really respectful approach to just getting better. And so there’s been a really great growth mindset in the band all season.” said band director Jonathan Grantham
Alongside the staff and performers, the leaders and drum majors put in copious amounts of effort into the production.
“We spent time two to three weeks before the competition, talking about how we wanted that day to feel and then working backwards from there to make sure that day happened” Said Grantham.
For the Marching Dons, the victory was not just about the score, but about the ensemble’s dedication pay off. The team had been practicing since late July to prepare for the upcoming competition season.
“For me personally, I don’t carry a lot of weight on scores and numbers. I just like going out there for fun. It wasn’t the victory over others that felt good, it was the triumph of our hard work paying off after all the months of being locked in.” said drum major Sylas Fell (‘27).
Focus on and off the field
The band’s main focus were professionalism both on and off the field. At competition, the band represents Amador and all of its values, which they ensure to present well.
“I real
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The band creates formations on the field to make a visually interesting show
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The band creates formations on the field to make a visually interesting show
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Tyler On (’26) performs choreography on a platform proper built by band parents.
ly wanted the band to demonstrate a high level of care and professionalism with their approach before they got on the field in the warm up process and even after the performance” said Grantham.
In addition to winning first place overall, the band also received best caption awards for overall effects and color guard.
“It’s less of the win and more of the caption award, because the caption awards reflects more of us as a guard. It was nice to get that sort of validation for all of our work as a guard.” Said Ace Yu (‘26), one of the Color Guard Captains.
The victory motivated the band and inspires them to dedicate more effort and dedication to continue the streak.
