Band Receives Check for $8,200

     John Muir High School’s band and drum line is on its way to becoming better than ever! On Saturday, June 11th, the John Muir High School Alumni Association (JMHSAA) awarded the Muir band and drum line a check for $8,200 at the JMHSAA Board Meeting. Part of the $8,200 was funded by a grant from the Tournament of Roses Foundation.

     The funds will provide equipment for the band and marching bells. The drum line will use the funds for several new drum heads, a new snare drum, and other drum equipment. Phil Topping, Muir’s Band Director, has been revitalizing Muir’s band for three years. This donation will provide for better instruments and equipment which will boost the already top-notch performance of Muir’s band and drum line! The leadership for Muir’s band and drum line consists of Phil Topping – Band Director, Dwight Garcia – JMHS Alumni Volunteer, and Sam Estrada – JMHS Alumni Volunteer. Mr. Topping, Mr. Garcia, and Godwin Vasquez were at the JMHSAA Board Meeting to receive the donation. Each of them each expressed deep appreciation for the support from the JMHSAA and Tournament of Roses Foundation. Godwin Vasquez will be playing the new marching bells as he enters the 10th grade during the 2015-2016 academic year. Mr. Garcia and Mr. Estrada work to coordinate traditional music and new music which creates an awesome sound for the band and drum line!

     At the June JMHSAA Board Meeting, Mr. Topping told Board Members about several ways the donated funds will enhance the environment for our band members. JMHS band members develop skills and friendships that will last a lifetime. Playing musical instruments will help JMHS students in multiple ways. Band members will have better mathematical ability, reading and comprehension skills, discipline, capacity for memory, and listening skills. Band members refine their time management and organizational skills while enhancing their performance skills. Playing music fosters self-expression and relieves stress. With the help of the grant the band and drum line will be able to have better practice conditions and improved performance with quality instruments. More students will be encouraged to participate in the JMHS band. The grant has also created a vibe for band and drum line members to hold fundraisers for other needs such as band uniforms.

     The Band Director, Phil Topping, has led the JMHS band with a revival of older traditional JMHS music alongside new music that keeps up with the times. Our own JMHSAA Board Member, Sam Estrada, JMHS c/o ’71, was the JMHS drum section leader when he attended Muir.  Mr. Estrada has written new cadences and revised cadences for the JMHS drum line. His wonderful memories of playing for a great JMHS band and his love for helping improve students’ capabilities in the drum line have encouraged him to volunteer for several days a week to the band’s drum line. Dwight Garcia was Muir’s Drum Major as a student at Muir. Mr. Garcia helps with the band and especially its marching routines. Muir is very fortunate to have such experienced and dedicated leaders for its band and drum line.

     The JMHS Band plays at sport events, assemblies, concerts, and outside venues. Contact Mr. Topping at Muir if you would like Muir’s great band to perform at your special occasion. You will awed by the talent of Muir’s musicians!

     We thank the Tournament of Roses Foundation for their generous donation. Together we have provided the support that the band desperately needed.