Tiger marching band earns honors at Western Band Association event

The WBA Championship is a two-day event.  Bands from all over the state of California compete on Saturday, with the top 18 bands qualifying to compete in the Grand Championships on Sunday.  This is the third time the LHS band has qualified for Sunday final competition.

"This is essentially state championships for our kids.  They compete on Saturday with the ultimate goal of qualifying to compete on Sunday.  To move up in placement and to score higher than some of the best bands around is a wonderful way to cap off their season," said parent Rebecca Camarena, co-president of LHS Band Boosters.  "This is a great group of hard working kids, and we are so happy that all of their efforts paid off.

"The band is directed by Shawn McElhaney.  "I am very proud of the students.  We set goals at the beginning of the year and worked hard to accomplish them throughout the season. 

The students came together and created something special both on and off the field," he said.  "Irreplaceable life lessons like this are rare and an integral part of learning responsibility.  It has been inspiring watching them progress and mature.”

Color Guard instructor Skye Emerson shared those sentiments. "I'm just overwhelmed by the amount of heart and dedication these kids have shown.  They fought so hard this season and it paid off this last weekend.  Making Grand Championships two years in a row is a huge accomplishment.  I couldn't be more proud."

The WBA competition marked an end to the band's competitive outdoor marching season.  The band will now transition into concert season, beginning with their Winter Concert on December 11th at 7:00 PM at the LHS Auditorium.  The public is invited to attend.