All three Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) bands took home top honors in San Luis Obispo’s 3rd Annual The ROAR Field Tournament last week.

Marching band members, wearing feather-topped hats and school colors, take a photo on field at night. (Courtesy photo)
Band members proudly show off their tournament trophies. (Courtesy photo)

Each band program worked for months to get each note, rhythm and step in sync with numerous other students. About 200 students from the district participated in the event.

Righetti High School Warrior Band placed first in Class 1A; Santa Maria Marching Saints placed second in Class 3A and second in Percussion overall; and Pioneer Valley Panther Pride came in first in Class 4A and second in Color Guard overall.

“These students showed tremendous musicianship and dedication throughout their marching season with countless rehearsals, football games, and other performances, all leading up to their final showdown all together,’’ said Saints Band director Samantha Bunten.

“Not only that, but the sportsmanship to support the other schools performing, shows the passion all of these students have for music,’’ she said.