In the crisp fall air Saturday morning in Turlock, marching band season began at Pitman High School’s 7th Annual Preview of Champions. Twenty-five bands competed from central California with trumpets blaring, bass drums thumping, and the cymbals crashing their way into competition.  Orestimba High School and Gustine High School started their seasons strong as their respective bands competed for trophies.

The Orestimba Warrior Band is led by band director David Clark. The band of 25 students this year kicked things off with their performance of “Precision March” by Harold Bennett and arranged by Larry Clark (no relation). Senior Julietta Sousa was the drum major for this competition. The Warriors made their way through the competition zone with traditional marching techniques and confident musical sections.

The Gustine Marching Reds are led by band director Steve Mitchell. The band of over 30 students this year performed “Army of the Nile” by Kenneth J. Alford with their color guard in tow. Senior Gisele Ramirez was the drum major for this competition. The band added pizzazz with marching backwards toward the end of their routine before turning back around to exit the competition zone.

Applauses were heard all around from the crowds as each band proceeded through.  Bands from Antioch, San Jose, and Sacramento were among the bands joining local schools from Merced, Atwater, Turlock, and Patterson.  Orestimba Warrior Band placed third in their division.  Gustine placed fourth in their division. Both bands plan to compete next at the Oct. 19 Santa Cruz Band Review.