Inderkum High School’s Marching Band and Color Guard has hit its highest note ever – a 14th place state ranking.
The competitive season ended recently with the Tigers improving three spots from 17th last year in state rankings by the Northern California Band Association. Among Northern California bands, Inderkum was ranked third, up from fifth last year, said Shawn Hines, Inderkum band director.
“I think it’s phenomenal,” Hines said. “Every year, we keep getting better and better and better. I’m proud of the kids. It’s all about the kids.”
Inderkum’s Marching Band has grown consistently through the years and now totals nearly 170 musicians and Color Guard members, the latter consisting of students who march with the band bearing flags and Inderkum’s school letters.
Hines and his co-director, Jemaline Agpalza, said the program strives not only to improve Inderkum’s music program but to emphasize attributes that will help kids throughout their lives: Determination, Dedication, Integrity, Respect, and Love.
“It’s a family environment,” Agpalza said. “I believe students appreciate coming here because of that family environment – and because of their passion for music.”
Agpalza said she was not surprised by Inderkum’s strong Top-20 finish. “I’m absolutely proud of them,” she said of the marching band. “They worked hard to get where they are. But I’m not surprised that they went up in the state rankings. I feel they have a drive to go higher and higher.”
A highlight of Inderkum’s competitive season came in November, when the Tigers’ Wind Ensemble, Color Guard and Marching Band captured first, second and third-place awards, respectively, in separate categories at the Northern California band championship.
Most recently, Inderkum’s Marching Band participated in the annual Sacramento parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thousands of residents turned out Monday, Jan. 19, for a parade and march that ended in celebration at the Sacramento Convention Center.
