STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

High school orchestra isn't as scary as you think! Whether you've been playing for years or you're new to your instrument, the orchestra with Dr. Ruiz will not only improve your playing but allow you to make lifelong friends. 
                                                                            – Jade Holt, Violin, Junior

I want you to know that, honestly, this is not only a program but a family. Yes, there are stressful times, and sometimes your like, ahhhhhh! But joining and committing to the program has been one of the best things I could have ever done. It's fun, exciting, you make memorable memories, and you meet some of the best people you'll ever meet. 
                          – Marilyn Rodriguez, Violin/Color Guard, Senior

At first, you might be scared of joining the orchestra, but in the end, it will be the highlight of your day. You'll make lots of friends and incredible memories.
                                                                  – Trinity Huynh, Violin, Senior

People should join the orchestra because it gives you a chance to be part of our small community inside Diamond Ranch. You wouldn't be able to have so many moments if you weren't in the orchestra. Plus you get to play for our whole school; you'll show people what our school can do. 
                                                           – Erick Fuentes, Violin, Freshman

It builds you mental and physical toughness. I remember when we would take laps, and sometimes, I would want to quit but would tough it out. And running laps would help me, especially in the parades. My freshman year, I fell out of the parade four times; sophomore year, I never fell out. It also helps you build discipline. I was failing my freshman year badly, almost got kicked out, but Dr. Ruiz helped me build discipline, and I started doing homework, studying harder, and focusing in class. I ended up bringing all my grades up. Sophomore year, I passed my classes, and now, that discipline is there.
                                                   – Promise Obong, Percussion, Junior

Don't be scared about falling behind!! I remember I was terrified coming into my freshman year, thinking that Dr. Ruiz and the upperclassman would criticize me for not being able to shift. But in time, he coaxed other first-year students and me to learn new musical concepts, which was so much easier than I thought.
                                                                    – Nicole Arena, Violin, Senior

Every day I have experienced in the band program since I joined in freshman year has provided me a school life that I could not have participated in any other school program. I have laughed harder, cried more, made more friends, worked harder, and felt more proud of both this band's accomplishments and myself than I ever have in my life. Join the DRHS Music Department for an experience that will help you grow both as a musician and an individual, to join a family, and to make friends for life. 
– Ethan Linchangco, Tenor Saxophone/French Horn/Cello, Senior

The band is fun, and it can help you with socializing. I was quite anti-social but talking with my section and other band members allowed me to socialize better. I came into the band with no friends, and now in 11th grade, I can proudly say I have friendships that will stand the test of time. 
                                                   – Promise Obong, Percussion, Junior

The band is the best community you will join in high school. There's no family of nearly a hundred people like the band. The band is a family that you hate and love simultaneously, and it is like your real family because everyone comes in as strangers, but we leave as long-time friends. The people you will meet in band and color guard are some of the most hardworking, determined, and kind people you will ever meet. Being in such a welcoming atmosphere like this is going to be so worth it! You have to be open to the idea of adopting the band room as your second home. 
                                                    – Brianna Clark, Color Guard, Senior

Beware of too many laughs and a lot of fun! After much work and discipline with your music, you may have the chance one year to perform at Disneyland. One year we even performed at the FOX Theatre! In our program, most of our family don't bite and love to help! Never be shy to at least ask one peer for help or advice. When joining our program, you agree to try your best and develop a taste for awesome friends and new family. When you decide to join the DRHS Music Department, you embark on a journey with a new family, and you discover a new skill where studies have shown an improvement in thinking and motivation. You begin to discover a new you.
                                                 – Kairi Jimenez-Medina, Viola, Senior

The Diamond Ranch HS band program is a place for growth and understanding your potential, not only as a musician but as a person.
                                                            – Elaiza Altobar, Flute, Freshman

The program emphasizes the ideals of dedication, discipline, and desire; we promote excellence inside and outside the band room. Joining the Diamond Ranch HS Music Department presents a gateway of opportunities to make friends, to love and appreciate music, and to have fun. Being in the band helped me ease the transition into high school as it allowed me to be more open with my peers.
                                                – Justin Bautista, Baritone Sax, Senior

The high school band is not like middle school or elementary school band. There are more opportunities to perform instrumental music than ever before, marching parades or performing at festivals and concerts. The DRHS Instrumental Music Department offers these opportunities, plus many more! While it may seem daunting at first, you will feel right at home once you join the band family because of the exceptional support and mentorship you will receive from your peers, leaders, and directors.
                                                            – David Aguirre, Trumpet, Senior

Band is a great class. You get close with your section, whether it is online or in person. Everyone is always so nice and welcoming. Don't doubt the band. This is and would be a wonderful experience for anyone. I have not been here long. While I have a favorite memory, I want to talk about who my favorite person I have met is. It was this past summer; I got a random text from someone talking about the band. I had asked who it was, and they responded with, "My name is Madison Hathaway. I am the flue co-section leader." Ever since I met her, she was someone I have looked up to and have aspired to be.
                                                    – Elizabeth Casillas, Flute, Freshman

One thing you should know when joining the band is that this organization is like a big family. We fight, laugh, get mad at each other, play games with one another, and appreciate each other.
                                                 – Alex Salinas, Trombone, Sophomore

At Diamond Ranch, there isn't another group that can match the bond and culture of the band. There's this feeling of connectedness when everyone works together to produce the best sounding music possible. The band is also a group about more than playing an instrument, it's making new friends, bonding with others, learning how to work collaboratively, and developing your character.
                                                                              – Max Ding, Tuba, Senior

​Friendships and experiences will let you grow as a person.
                                                                – Delaney Kohler, Flute, Senior

People should join to grow their musical talents and grow their social skills and gain experience and a wonderful family.
                                                       – Vanessa Dean, Flute, Sophomore 

Most of all, my favorite memories are all of them, marching, practicing, Thursday night rehearsals, and especially the football games. People should join the DRHS Music Department because it will develop social skills and personal responsibility. It is also enjoyable and entertaining with other classmates.  
                                                 – Xavier Gonzalez, Percussion, Junior

Our band will require massive amounts of determination, but the payout is worth it in the end.
                                                 – Manuel Alvarado, Trombone, Junior

After parades, my favorite memories would be to stay and watch the awards ceremony, hoping that we placed high. Also, just being in the stands eating, laughing, and just having a good time with friends. 
                                                – Matthew Teliz, Trumpet, Sophomore

My favorite memory was my freshman year Arcadia event, just the overwhelming atmosphere of it all.
                                                              – Isaiah Givens, Trumpet, Junior

I would want people to know how strong a community band is and how much fun it is to hang out with your friends. Being in the band will give you unique experiences and memories to share with your friends.
                                                       – Madison Hathaway, Flute, Senior

It's more than just a class that you try to pass and then move on. You become more like a second family to each other.
                                                    – Ava Ramirez, Clarinet, Sophomore

You meet terrific friends among the ensemble, and through the program's musician work ethic, you develop a better work ethic for yourself in general.
                                                         - Andres Tolley, Percussion, Junior

I was forced into band by my mom, but after the first week I began to enjoy it. Band is a great way to make lots of new friends and learn about music. 
​                                                   – Matthew Oslund, Trumpet, Alumni​

​Being a four year member of the music department I have learned the importance of integrity, humility, and maturity. The band has become my second family, and any student would be lucky to further their music education.  ​
​                                         - Mykel Brown, Tenor Saxophone, Alumni

It is hard work, but that hard work is what makes our accomplishments so fulfilling. It is also a healthy way to relieve stress and an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who want to see you succeed.
                                                                                    – Akilah, Flute, Senior

​When I joined my freshman year, it felt great to know that I already had friends before the first week of school. 
                                  – Andrew Vallejo Martinez, Clarinet, Alumni​

Join band! Not only for the experience of playing a musical instrument, but also the feeling of being part of a team. In band, you won’t feel left out because everybody works together to produce a single sound. Not only that, but you start to build friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. 
                                  – Christopher Hanchana, Trombone, Alumni​

When I joined band, I felt so welcomed into a group that I can go to for mental, academic, and social support.
                               – Julius Acdan, Euphonium & Trumpet, Senior

 One of the best and most unique experiences anyone will participate in.    – Martin Ma, Flute, Alumni

You will meet some of the most amazing and nicest people in the world and bond with them through music.
                                                                           – Jon-Cesar, Viola, Alumni

The reason you should join band is because it helped me come out of my shell. I met and made friends with a lot of new people who helped me grow as a person and player.
                                               – Aubree Krager, French Horn, Alumni

I entered band my sophomore year and it was the best decision of my life. It taught me three principle values, Discipline, Dedication, and Desire. It helped me become a better person.
                                                – Samantha Hernandez, Flute, Alumni

Joining orchestra is a great decision. The people you will meet may become some of your best friends. Making music with a group of people can make an especially tight bond.
                                                                           – Jon-Cesar, Viola, Alumni

Joining band is one thing I don’t regret. It allowed me to venture out of my comfort zone, form unbreakable bonds, establish a love for music, and join a family that will never let me down.
                                                                 – Nicole Oliva, Clarinet, Senior

You should join orchestra because it’s a program where you make new friends, learn so much, and have fun!                                                                                              – Yesenia Cota, Violin, Alumni

Not only does the music department teach you new skills, but it teaches you about leadership, communication, and dedication. It’s also a fantastic way to make lifelong friends. 
                                   – Celeste Dean, Violin & Percussion, Alumni

Because of the involvement and dedication that the upper class men and teachers have, I was able to understand music and the importance of it in my life.    
​                                                                    – Nicole Arena, Violin, Senior

8th graders should join the music program at Diamond Ranch, because it really is a fun and enjoyable experience. When I joined my freshman year I thought band was just going to another class, but it was not. When I am in band I feel like a different person with a bunch of people that make me feel special.
                                – Joshua Henderson, Trumpet & Horn, Senior

My initial thought of joining band was simply play my instrument and enjoy it, but in addition I got a family, which I can talk to, role models, personal tutor, advice giver, and people I can trust whom I call my second family. It is my best decision thus far. 
                                                        – Guadalupe Loza, Clarinet, Senior

The reason you should join band is for the experience of a lifetime. You shouldn’t be afraid of joining because you feel as if you’re not good enough or will never be as good as the rest of the band; that is a huge lie. Everyone in the band has their place and so do you!
                                                          – Agustin Flores, Alto Sax, Alumni

The reason you should join band is because it is a good way to participate in school life. It does take some dedication, but seeing what you can create is pretty fantastic.
                                                   – Isaac Martinez, Percussion, Alumni

The reason you should join band is because it helps you grow out of your shell your first year. The band also helps you become a part of the school. Band is a family and we help each other grow musically and personally.    
                                                                 – Sabrina Michel, Flute, Senior

I joined orchestra (without ever having played a string instrument before) and it was challenging, but it was also rewarding to play new styles of music and bond with my section through Bonding Days and dumb group chats.   
​                                                                          – Julia Reece, Viola, Senior