Fairfax Marching Lions Place 1st in LAUSD Division 1 Championship

The Marching Lions began the fall 2011 marching band season with a 1st Place win (Division 1) at the Newport Beach Open Field Competition over the weekend.

The Fairfax Band and Color Guard outscored Huntington Beach’s Ocean View High School, the 2010 1st Place winner of the California State Band Championship, on Saturday, Oct. 15. Judges gave Fairfax top scores for color guard, music performance, and visual effect. Fairfax competed in the Division 1 category for smaller bands while still earning higher scores than many Division 2 and 3 bands.
 
Fairfax is in its sixth year under the direction of teacher , who revived the instrumental band program at Fairfax after a nearly 20-year absence of a  band program from the high school.

Under Mr. Vizcarra’s leadership, the marching band and color guard have won two LAUSD Division 1A Championship over the last four years, and placing second in the other two. In 2007, Fairfax placed second in the California State Band Championship tournament.
 

“I am very proud of these students. They are very committed to the success of our program and work very hard, as Saturday’s results demonstrate," said Vizcarra. "While we are a small band, and fighting to overcome many obstacles, especially budget cuts, my students and I are determined to succeed and continue to build a quality music program at Fairfax.”
 
Budget cuts have reduced available funds for transportation, equipment, and special instructors. As a result, the band is seeking contributions to help cover the costs of the program. Tax deductable donations can be sent to: “Fairfax High School Band;” Attention: Ray Vizcarra; 7850 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90046.