By Kathy Chouteau
Marching to the beat of their own drummers is working out just fine for the Richmond High School drumline, which took first place in the 50th Santa Cruz Band Review Marching Band Competition Sat., Oct. 16, according to the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD).
This year marks the third time the band has participated in the musical parade; in 2019 they placed second in the competition.
Richmond High’s band beat out more than 50 Northern California high schools and middle schools that competed in the annual musical parade and which were judged in categories including music, showmanship and marching, according to the WCCUSD.
Band Director Andrew Wilke said that events like [the Santa Cruz Band Review] empower WCCUSD students “not only by showing them a glimpse of the world beyond our city limits, but [also by] showing them that they can thrive in that world.”
“It is important that we are representing our city in a positive light to other communities throughout the state,” he added.
Fresh off their first place finish, the band will polish off the football season and will start preparing for the upcoming Richmond High School Music concert on Dec. 16th, said the district. Plans are also underway for the band to participate in upcoming local jazz/band festivals, as well as San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade.
