Report from Band Camp 2026

By Massimo Gonzalez, Drum Major

From August 17th to the 21st, members of the Garfield Athletic Band assembled to prepare for the year ahead. This coming school year, these talented musicians will perform at various athletic and school events, carrying on the legacy of Garfield Music.

On Monday, members of the leadership team met to discuss a shared vision for the school year. Key themes that came up included how to define our roles in the program, how to create and continue traditions from previous years, and to establish an identity for the band. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday consisted of in-depth sectionals and rehearsals. The incoming freshmen learned seven songs to prepare for the year, and I can confidently say this is the best band I’ve heard so early in the year. The band was full of returning students, but this year’s freshmen showed a level of commitment and preparation levels above what’s expected, and we have high expectations for every student playing in the band.

Thursday was special, as the band took several hours to bond and participate in group activities like karaoke, a poker table, and watching ‘Drumline’, which has become essential media to the band program through Mr. Saunders’ love for the film. Finally, Friday ended with a wonderful performance of the songs we learned, which can be found on YouTube.

This year is the continuation of the leadership program, which featured many new and returning members, as well as an expansion of the roles students could fill. Thank you so much for the hard work of all the students who participated. Find us on Instagram: @garfieldhsbands & @bangmydrumghs.

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Thanks very much to Massimo for taking the time to write up this article on this year’s band camp week! Throughout the year, we encourage students and parents of band, orchestra, and drumline ensembles to write up similar articles talking about trips and events with Garfield music. Contact website@garfieldhsmusic.org for details.