POINT LOMA HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
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  • Home
  • Holiday Gram
  • News
  • Band
    • Vanguard
    • Jazz Band
    • Drumline
    • Students >
      • Attendance Conflict Form
      • Forms and Handouts
      • Instrument Resources
      • Practice Tips
      • Music and drill pages
  • Orchestra
  • Danceguard
  • Choir
    • About Us
    • Grading System
  • Guitar
    • Grading System
  • Support


van·guard (văn'gärd)
noun
1. ) The foremost position in an army or fleet advancing into battle. 
2.)  A position at the forefront of new developments or ideas.  
3.)  Those occupying a foremost position.
[Middle English, shortened from the Old French avaunt garde: avaunt (advance) and guard (guard).]


What is Vanguard?

One of the largest and most spirited organizations on campus is the Vanguard, which can be seen performing the halftime at every home football game, as well as local field tournaments.  The ensemble currently competes in the SCSBOA circuit, and has celebrated continued improvement and success over the course of its history.  In addition to these competitions, Vanguard can be seen at all school spirit functions, as well as at select community events.  With over 100 performers, Vanguard is the largest and most active ensemble in the Point Loma High School Department of Instrumental Music. Vanguard has several components, including Brass, Woodwinds, Battery (Marching Percussion), Front Ensemble (Stationary Percussion) and Color Guard. 

The Vanguard competes at a minimum of five field tournaments in the season. 
Field Tournaments consist of bands that perform their halftime shows.  These 7-11 minute shows are usually centered around a theme or a piece of music, and may involve elaborate props and demanding marching maneuvers.  Performances are judged on their musicianship, visual excellence, and general excitement.  Trophies are awarded in these areas, as well as in each individual competing class.  For more information on Field Tournaments, visit our FAQ section. 

All students in Vanguard participate in the field show. 
Students in Vanguard receive valuable P.E. credit their time; this is especially helpful, as participation in the ensemble will free up a spot in a student's schedule to take an additional elective and/or additional courses required for graduation.  For each marching season that a student participates in Vanguard, he/she/they will earn one semester of PE credit. The bulk of activities and rehearsals for Vanguard take place during the first semester, with students meeting for Band Camp in August, and ending the competition season in Late November.

Students interested in being a part of Vanguard should enroll in the appropriate music class during the school day, as well as sign up for 7th period Marching Band PE. In order to receive PE credit, attendance at rehearsal and performances is MANDATORY.  Students should expect to attend two after-school rehearsals each week.  Additionally, a typical season consists of SEVEN to EIGHT Saturday commitments, and up to SIX Friday home football games.


QUICK NOTES ABOUT VANGUARD
  • Rehearsals are from 2:30-5:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays during the first semester.  
  • Rehearsal is MANDATORY.
  • Dates for 2019 Band Camp:
    • August 14-16 (9am-12n) 
    • August 19-23 (9am-5pm) for all members.
    • On Friday, August 23rd, there will be a home football game for students to attend. 
  • Tentative Competition Dates for the 2019 Season (subject to change):
    • RBV  10/12
    • Poway 10/19
    • Mira Mesa 11/2
    • Westview 11/6 (Weekday Show)
    • Chula Vista 11/9
    • Championships 11/16

Our Mission

The mission of Point Loma High School Instrumental Music is to provide students with an environment focused on the commitment to musical excellence.  The program is also dedicated to the values of character, leadership, and responsibility through artistic development and training.

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