RHS Band “Puts Ramona on the Map”

RHS Royal Alliance Band and Color Guard picture from the Rancho Buena Vista Premier Tournament, October 8, 2005 Photo by Carolyn Dorroh

By Jenna Jauregui

While some high school competitors may still be wondering where Ramona is, band members in the 2A division are beginning to take notice. The Ramona High School Royal Alliance Marching Band and Color Guard have had an outstanding start to their fall marching season. At the Rancho Buena Vista Premier Tournament on October 8, the band and percussion placed first in their division, while the color guard placed second. The Royal Alliance held onto their successes at the Westview High School Gold Tournament on October 15, where the band and percussion once again swept their division, and the color guard reclaimed their second place award.

These achievements by the Royal Alliance have begun to transform the idea of Ramona in the Southern California band community. Director Daniel James has received numerous comments from other directors complimenting the band on their progress. Royal Alliance members have noticed other bands beginning to remove the “small-time country band” labels, realizing that Ramona brings forth powerful musicians, driven towards excellence.

During this month of November the Royal Alliance will compete at their final three tournaments; The Mira Mesa High School Band Review and Field Tournament on the fifth, the Vista High School Field Tournament on the twelfth and the Temecula Valley High School Field Tournament on the nineteenth. All are invited to come cheer them on. For more information, visit the band website at www. ramonahighband.org.