About Us

 The Trailblazer Marching Band and Color Guard is a highly competitive and accomplished ensemble, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances at home football games, parades, and state-wide competitions. As proud members of the prestigious CSBC California State Band Championships, they triumphantly clinched the Northern Regional Championships in 2022 and achieved an impressive 6th place statewide. The band's training regimen is rigorous, with rehearsals scheduled throughout the summer and a mandatory band camp that commences two and a half weeks prior to the start of the school year. During the fall semester, they continue to hone their skills with regular Monday and Thursday night rehearsals from 6:00pm-9:00pm. The band comprises students from all band, percussion, and color guard classes offered at Golden West, resulting in a diverse and exceptional group of performers. 

The Jazz Band is an ensemble of highly accomplished and talented musicians who have honed their craft to perfection. With a deep passion for music and an unwavering commitment to excellence, they consistently deliver breathtaking performances that leave audiences spellbound. This remarkable group features a diverse lineup of saxes, trumpets, trombones, and a dynamic rhythm section, each member bringing their own unique skills and sensibilities to the mix.

With a repertoire that spans a range of musical genres, including dance-band, swing, Latin, funk, and contemporary jazz, the Jazz Band is a true testament to the timeless appeal of traditional Big Band instrumentation. Their exceptional musicianship and soulful sound has earned them a devoted following and numerous accolades, including recognition at various jazz festivals and competitions throughout California.

Despite their busy schedule, the Jazz Band continues to inspire and delight audiences with their passion, energy, and artistry. Whether performing at festivals or community events, their captivating performances always leave a lasting impression. So be sure to keep an eye out for their upcoming concerts and events, and experience the magic of a Jazz Band performance for yourself. It's an experience you won't soon forget!

The Color Guard is a remarkable performing ensemble that skillfully weaves dance, flag work, and weapon work into their breathtaking musical performances. Their hard work and dedication paid off this year, as they clinched the gold medal in scholastic A silver at the SVWAA championships, demonstrating their exceptional talent and commitment to excellence.

Membership in the Color Guard is highly sought after and is based on a rigorous audition process. They participate in two distinct seasons, with the first running from August to December as part of the marching band. The second season, from January to April, is dedicated to their own winter performances. The Winter Guard is an active member of both the South Valley Winter Arts Association (SVWAA) and Winter Guard International (WGI), showcasing their talent and artistry on a larger stage.

To be a part of this exceptional group, members must be enrolled in the 6th period color guard class and commit to attending two evening rehearsals each week, as well as occasional weekend rehearsals. Auditions are held in May, and any Golden West or Valley Oak student is eligible to audition, making the Color Guard a diverse and inclusive group of performers. If you're looking for an exciting and dynamic performance experience, look no further than the Color Guard.

The Indoor Percussion Ensemble represents the pinnacle of percussion excellence, seamlessly blending the raw power of the marching percussion (drum line) with the nuanced artistry of the front ensemble (pit) to deliver a spellbinding indoor performance. Throughout the months of January to April, they showcase their prowess in competitions and exhibitions across the Central Valley, leaving audiences spellbound.

As a respected member of the South Valley Winter Arts Association (SVWAA) and Winter Guard International (WGI), the ensemble has garnered numerous accolades, including the first-place trophy in Scholastic A silver at SVWAA, a testament to their unparalleled skill and dedication.

Membership in the Indoor Percussion Ensemble is highly coveted, and only the most accomplished percussionists are selected through a rigorous audition process held in early December. Each member must be enrolled in the 5th period percussion class, attend two evening rehearsals each week, and occasional weekend rehearsals to maintain the group's exceptional standards.

If you're a Golden West student with a passion for percussion and a drive for excellence, consider auditioning for the Indoor Percussion Ensemble. Join this elite group of performers and take your musical talent to the next level.

The Golden West Wind Ensemble is a top-tier musical ensemble that exemplifies excellence in music education and performance. Every year, the ensemble competes at the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) festival, which is a renowned platform for showcasing the finest musical talent in the state. The ensemble's impressive repertoire is a testament to their versatility and musicality, as they perform modern and contemporary works by a distinguished list of composers, delivering spellbinding performances that leave audiences spellbound. For the past two consecutive years, the Golden West Wind Ensemble has received the highest honor at the CMEA festival, achieving unanimous superiors. This achievement speaks to the exceptional musicianship and dedication of the ensemble members and their director, who continue to inspire and impress with their remarkable performances. Join us for an unforgettable musical experience and witness the artistry of the Golden West Wind Ensemble firsthand.