Band helps students fulfill graduation requirement
In addition to academics, every student at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School must fulfill a fine arts requirement in order to graduate. For some, this means taking a quick two semesters of choir, ceramics, or drama; for others, it becomes four years of dedication to the art of their choice.
One collection of dedicated artists can be found in the high school’s band and music program, which is small, but full of talented musicians.
Though there were difficulties finding a capable new music director after Sharon Jeskey, the school has found Cameron Clarno, now returning for his second year at SYV High. Clarno, originally trained as a vocalist, has taken up the leadership of the band with aplomb, creating a marching band, stage band, concert band, and even a drum line, out of what was once just a disorganized crew of 9th- to-12th-graders with instruments.
For the band, this year has proven to be the year for change; not only has it finished its first marching band season in 29 years, but the band and drum line recently participated in Band Day at Fresno State University as the second smallest band attending.
The band and drum line also marched in the October homecoming parade in Santa Ynez. The versatile musicians in the band expect to prove they can play more than just marches at the Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 1, with a program featuring a swinging rendition of “The Christmas Song,” and slow, beautiful arrangements of “Silent Night” and “All Through the Night,” among others.
With band season now over, its members anticipate continued excitement throughout the rest of the school year, most notably with its upcoming winter concert at the high school at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13. Long-term plans include a trip to San Francisco, a spring concert, and possible formation of a small jazz group and a percussion ensemble. Under the direction of Clarno, and with the talents of 20-odd high school musicians, it is clear that the high school’s band will continue to grow.