Buena Band Heads for Championship

After winning several first-place awards, Buena High School’s music department thinks it’s ready for the Western Band Assn. championships this weekend in Stockton.

At competitions staged earlier at San Marcos, Valley View and Trabuco Hills high schools, Buena’s band came in first. There was also a close second-place finish at Riverside Community College.

“Buena is well prepared for this year’s championship,” said Ken Hoffman, the school’s music director.

The championships will take place at University of the Pacific in Stockton. The Buena High musicians leave for Stockton today and will return Sunday.

Hoffman said the 60-member band goes into the competition with the second highest score in the state, behind Riverbank High School in Riverbank, north of Modesto.

“Our kids have worked exceptionally hard this year and that is reflected in the quality of their show,” Hoffman said.

Because the trip to Stockton will cost more than $10,000, donations are being sought to help defray the cost. Donations may be sent to the Buena High School Music Department, 5670 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

For information, call 641-5100, Ext. 301, or visit the band’s Web site at https://www.buenamusic.org.