The percussion ensemble and jazz band will come together with other high school bands for a competition at Biola University on April 3rd. The annual event features various Christian bands from around the state, and allows them to come together, receive criticism from judges regarding their music, and take a tour of Biola’s facilities.

Music director Michael Ogdon describes the benefits by participating in the event.

“The purpose is to get Christian bands together and perform for each other and for us to get judged for what we did right and wrong,” Ogdon said.

Ogdon further explained how this particular trip is unique due to the fact that Fresno Christian will not be bringing a traditional band, but the jazz band and the percussion ensemble.

“Normally we take a “band” band but this year we didn’t have one so we are just going with the two instrumental groups that we have here,” Ogdon said. “We are the only group that is doing it that way. There are about 14 groups that are participating and we are the wackiest.”

Senior Eric Cowin is looking forward to being able to display his musical talents and receive feedback.

“I am excited to share my passion for music with others,” Cowin said. “I am also looking forward to receiving suggestions from professional musicians.”

For the seniors in the band, this trip is not only another competition, but on of the final opportunities they have to play on a high school level.

“I am sad that I am leaving, but I’m also ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. ” Cowin said. “Everything I learned in band has allowed me to become the musician and teacher that I have become.”

In addition to touring the Biola campus and performing with other schools, the bands will also be given the opportunity to record some songs in a studio at Disneyland. Trevor Trevino, ’17, is excited to apply the criticism he receives from the judges to this special recording session.

“The most important part is to fix the things that we need and then in future events it’s going to be a change of pace,” Trevino said. “The next day when we are at Disneyland we can take what we learned and apply them to make us play better.”

This author can be reached via Twitter: @JohnathanNyberg. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.

For more news, read the March 31 article, BRIEF: Superhero Sadies sends students to Discovery Kingdom.