Armijo Super Band starts the season with top awards

Armijo+Super+Band+made+an+impact+in+its+newest+division.

Armijo Super Band made an impact in its newest division.

On Saturday, September 28, the Armijo Super Band had its first competition in Turlock at Pitman High School. This year, the governing association Northern California Band Association (NCBA) created new divisions solely based on the number of musicians. That means Armijo falls into the 3A division. We normally compete in the 5A based on school size. It puts us in a slight disadvantage but this year’s focus is to create important relationships within the band and learn how to build one another up.

In spite of the disadvantages, the Armijo Super Band won 1st Place Parade Division 3A with the second Highest score of the entire event, 2nd Place Overall for Guard, and 1st Place for Drum Major (Raymond Houston)

The Armijo Super Band also won the Mayor’s Award, which is selected by the head judge and awarded to a band that has overcome challenges greater than the normal band programs see. For Band director Ms. Louise Jacob, who has won many awards, this was one of the most significant awards ever. “This was special because, to be recognized for being able to produce what we do at Armijo with the resources available is truly humbling,” she said. “It makes all those late nights working until 9 pm, long after the kids have gone home, to figure out the next step in our journey worth every minute.”

“Thank you all for allowing kids to come to the band room when needed. Thank you to our amazing athletic director and principal who stepped up and helped get band the support it needed. Special thank you to Z.B., J.S., and E.B. for saving me over and over and over again with soup, shoes, and amazing friendship,” said Ms. Jacob.

“It’s never been about the trophies, it’s always been to make all of you proud and to show what true teaching and support from an amazing staff can do for all of our kids!!!  Armijo has been the most amazing school to work at and I’m proud to be the Director of the Armijo Super Band,” Ms. Jacob said.