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Guard, Percussion Performers Shine In Regional Competition
RHS Earns Recognition
Percussion
At a recent rally on the campus at Riverbank High School the Indoor Percussion Group performed a high energy number called Passage of Time by Patrick Glenn Harris. VIRGINIA STILL/THE NEWS

A Central Valley Guard and Percussion Circuit (CVGPC) competition held at Enochs High School on April 1 landed the Riverbank High School Color Guard and first year Indoor Percussion Group some awards. Color Guard received sixth place overall in the Regional AA Class and the Indoor Percussion Group received third place in the Scholastic A Concert Class. Riverbank’s small ensemble performing group which includes Diego Avila, Alondra Silva, Chloe Lopez, and Aleksia Lay came in first place for the second year in a row.

“We had some major competition this year and we are in a rebuilding year with seven out of the 11 being freshmen,” Band Director Joey Aguilar said regarding the color guard team.

The first year indoor percussion group consists of 11 members with one student, Lay, participating in both the color guard and percussion group. Aguilar explained that Lay is following in her mother’s footsteps; as her mother also performed in both groups.

“I decided to create the group (indoor percussion) this year because I wanted to start exposing band members to the rigors of competition,” said Aguilar. “I also wanted to expose our students to the other music programs throughout the area so they could see the vision of where I want the indoor percussion and overall music program to grow and develop into.”

The indoor percussion members performed for all Riverbank High School students at a spirit rally recently. Their passionate performance of a “Passage of Time” by Glenn Patrick Harper demonstrated that day had students that filled the gymnasium cheering and applauding.

“They did very well on both Friday at the rally and on Saturday at their final performance,” added Aguilar of the actual competition.

The groups will also get the opportunity next month to showcase their talents for the community.

The fourth annual Night of the Arts will be held on Thursday, May 18 at Riverbank High School and will feature Holly Cortes’s art classes, Scott Culver and the Cardozo Middle School Art class as well as the Cardozo band, the RHS advanced and beginner bands and the Mesa Verde and California Avenue Elementary beginner band programs.

“This will be a major event for all involved and we encourage all to come,” expressed Aguilar. “Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted.”