The Golden Valley Band Boosters, with the support of San Luis Pump Company, hosted the longstanding and much-anticipated Central California Band Review (CCBR) on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The year’s edition featured 45 well-trained marching bands from all over this region and beyond, demonstrating their skills on Childs Avenue in front of Golden Valley High School. Meanwhile, 19 passionate jazz bands competed on stage inside the campus theater building.
Now in its 65th year, the CCBR is the longest running band review in Central California, and the second longest running in all of California.
“I think the students here at Golden Valley High School take great pride in hosting the event, and so do our community members and parents,” said Michael Vasquez, the GV band director. “A special thanks goes to the City of Merced and the Merced Police Department, and the Golden Valley High School Band Boosters. Also, the San Luis Pump Company has been a huge sponsor for us this year. And all of our sponsors that are in our program. … I also wanted to give a special thanks to Mr. Matt Teason, who is our retiring athletic director here at Golden Valley High School, but has been a supporter of our program since Golden Valley first opened.”
Vasquez went on to reflect on the overall importance of this incredible event that has touched the lives of countless people over the last 65 years.
“I think it’s an important event in the community, and it’s an important event to the students — but not just our students, but people who come to Merced. This might be the only time they come to Merced, and they’re coming from Bakersfield, the Sacramento area, the San Francisco area and every school in between — and this might be their only stop anytime that they come to Merced. They’re excited to be here at Golden Valley, they’re excited to perform, and they’re excited to see so much support. So, I really encourage everyone to come on out next year if you’re not here this year. Check the event out and see how exciting it actually is.”
Afterwards, the Times asked Mr. Vasquez about his own personal connection with the event, curious as to why he is so passionate about it. He replied enthusiastically, saying, “I’ve been participating in the Central California Band Review since 1988 as a student! I went to Hoover Junior High School, and I performed in this event all through high school. After I performed in this event, I volunteered when I was in college to still be a part of this event. And now, I am nearing my 24th year teaching music in our community and have been a part of the event the entire time — so, it means a lot to me personally. It also means a lot to me that I get the opportunity to show other people what Merced is really all about, and the positive things that happen in our community.”
A variety of high school jazz bands from around Central California took the stage at the GV Theater to demonstrate their skills.
Cruickshank Middle School from Merced was full of enthusiasm.
The Tenaya Middle School Marching Band from Merced.
Stephen R. Diaz, the GVHS assistant band director, and Michael Vasquez, the GVHS band director, were excited to help kickoff this year’s event.
A collection of student volunteers were working the merchandise and info booth.
The Bryant Middle School Marching Band from Dos Palos.