This past weekend Canyon Springs held its 21st annual Field Tournament for 2018. The high school has had a long history of carrying on the tradition for some of the most talented young musicians and performers from around Southern California. Students, teachers, and parents from all around come and show their support for the arts and more importantly for the students performing.
Canyon Springs has been hosting this tournament for the past 20 years! However, this was the first year that Canyon Springs was able to host the tournament on their very own and brand new football field. With the construction being completed earlier this school year the bands were able to perform on all new turf and spectators watched from the newly installed bleachers.
In the years before this Canyon Springs would host the tournament at other local high schools. With the new stadium at home, they were able to welcome all guests and share the accomplishment that was long awaited.
The performances began around 6 pm on Saturday and lasted until a little past 8:30 pm. The tournament started off with Vista Del Lago High School providing a rousing performance they titled “Skylines - New York, San Francisco.” Other performances included Valley View’s Crimson Regiment performing their musical repertoire, “24601 – The Music of Les Miserables and Canyon Springs very own Cougar Canyon Regiment performing their musical repertoire, “Trancendence – The Butterfly Effect by John Meehan.”
Another notable performance was done by Moreno Valley’s Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment performing their musical repertoire of “Dearly Departed.” With moving props, dancers flipping, and rifles flying, the crowd was never left with a dull moment during any of these performances.
Each school presenting their unique ensembles and truly displaying the hard work and dedication that has gone into preparing for each of their performances. Along the sidelines were the just as dedicated staff and parent volunteers that assisted in the set up and take down during each performance.
The evening ended with an awards ceremony that consisted of Canyon Springs presenting trophies to each of the placing schools. Valley View Crimson Regiment came in 2nd place in the 3A division for both Auxiliary and band. Vista Del Lago came in 2nd places as well in the 1A division for both band and auxiliary. Then with Rancho Verde coming in 1st place in percussion.
With 10 schools performing the night was filled with music and cheer. JennaRose Reyna, a student from the Crimson Regiment band said, “I’m more excited than nervous. I’ve done performing band so I’m used to the crowds, but this was my first marching band competition.” When asked what the best thing about these competitions is she said, “The best thing about performing is hearing how we sound as an ensemble and getting the approval from the staff and drum majors afterwards.”
The whole night consisted of hundreds of spectators, dozens of songs performed and over a thousand students that performed throughout the night. Music continues to bring these competitions to light and the students will continue to excel in music and the arts thanks to their dedication and support of their communities.