As the Thanksgiving break draws near, the FC band begins final preparation for their first performance of the year,

Nov. 10.

Band is made up of 3 groups, percussion, brass and woodwind instruments, directed by Lesley Bannister for the last seven years. 

“We have a lot of fun learning music and performing for our community and traveling!” Bannister says.

Before working at FC, Bannister taught in Central Unified for five years.

“This year,”Bannister says, “we have 36 students in band and percussion and 12 in color guard.”

Kemya Hopkins, ‘24, has been in band for four years playing multiple instruments, such as drums, chimes, marimba and xylophone.

“I feel band is about the energy you put in,” Hopkins says. “Before COVID, we always put 100% into everything we did. I feel we have kept close, even through COVID and picked up right where we left off.”

Mark your calendars for the upcoming band performances; Clovis Electric Light Parade, Dec. 4 and the Christmas Concert at New Covenant Church, Dec. 9 at 6:30 pm. 

For more articles, read USAF vet Nyle Smith shares story with FCS students, Nov. 9 and Tri-sport athlete Brad Cheney chases his dream.

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