The sounds of drums, brass, and patriotic pride filled Rankin Stadium at Granite Hills High School on Tuesday afternoon, as the 56th Annual Veterans Day Band-A-Rama brought together school bands from across the region to honor local veterans through music and marching.
The event began around 1:50 p.m. with the Presentation of Colors, conducted by American Legion Post 20 and Boy Scout Troop 132, as announcer Tim Bonnar welcomed the crowd. Pastor Steve Rogers of Lighthouse Chapel in Springville offered the invocation, setting a respectful tone for the afternoon’s performances.
Porterville High School, directed by Clark Keele, led the parade of bands into the stadium, followed by Pioneer Middle School under the direction of Adrian Martinez. Strathmore High School and Harmony Magnet Academy performed next, directed by Nicholas Walters, with Terra Bella Elementary School under Ricardo Stevens taking the field fourth.
The lineup continued with Monache High School, marking Justin Adams’ 25th year as director, followed by Burton Middle School under Jack Amaral, Summit Collegiate High School under Kenny Ormonde, Sequoia Middle School led by Richard Madrigal, and Strathmore Middle School under George Baker.
Granite Hills High School, directed by Caden Milligan, entered into the stadium 10th, followed by Woodville School under John Rodriguez. The Porterville Military Academy band followed under Sergeant Julio Sandoval, and Patience Christensen led Summit Charter Intermediate Academy.
Farmersville High School, under the direction of Dagny McIntosh, and Bartlett Middle School, directed by Dallan Christensen, closed the procession.
After all bands assembled on the field, Jim Kusserow, a former long-standing Porterville High School band director, conducted the combined ensemble in the national anthem, followed by stirring renditions of “America the Beautiful” and “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.”
Majorettes from the schools along with other twirlers stepped onto the track and performed for the massive crowd as the group of bands played each of the military branch anthems, and the hymn “Abide With Me” was played in memory of veterans who have passed awa.
With all 15 bands on the field, the sound roared from the field and into the bleachers, resulting in applause from the crowd. Proud parents could be heard shouting their respective student’s names as the group’s sound faded and the bands dispersed off the field.
Left on the field were Porterville’s biggest high schools: Summit Collegiate, Granite Hills, Monache, and Porterville. The bands took their seats in the touchdown areas of the field, patiently waiting for their turn to perform their field shows for the audience.
All four bands took the field, performing to the best of their ability the shows they’ve been working on during the school year. Summit Collegiate wowed with “Thor’s Hammer,” while Granite Hills High School performed parts of their show titled “Search.”
Monache High School’s “Viva la Carmen” enthralled the crowd with familiar sounds and stark red imagery across the field, and Porterville High School’s energetic medley of Green Day and Fall Out Boy music closed out this year’s annual Band-A-Rama.
The day’s performances served as a heartfelt reminder of the connection between music, memory, and gratitude. Through every anthem, march, and field show, the students’ dedication echoed the values of service and unity the event was built to honor.