The award-winning BOSS (Bands Of Santiago Sharks) has been widely recognized as one of the best high school bands in the nation, even taking part in the Rose Parade in 2013, 2018, and, most recently, 2024. They make it look easy, but what does it take to be in such a great program? 

The BOSS comprises roughly 320 students participating in jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras, and the marching band. Over the year, a student in all four bands will attend roughly 12 competition-based events outside of school that can range from 4 hours to all day. A marching band student will dedicate 9+ hours of group rehearsal time per week outside of their individual practice time and attend 11 events outside of the school day that are committed to the marching band specifically. These events comprise football games and parades in which students represent the BOSS, Santiago High School, and CNUSD as they step into the community. However, these are simply statistics; so much more goes into the program outside of numbers. Time commitments outside of school, dedication from staff and students, and the overall understanding of what the program stands for that’s what it takes to understand the BOSS.

The amazing staff also dedicates hours outside of when students are present and outside of the regular school day. Mr. Dudek, the head director of the marching band program, Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association marching judge, and head director of Jazz One, says it’s “hard to say; there are many times that we don’t leave here until after 8 pm.” This has been reiterated by the other directors as well. There are booster meetings that can run until 10 pm here and many after-school meetings between directors focused on improving and what needs to be done at the next practice. There is a team of boosters comprised of volunteers of current or previous parents that gather bi-weekly to organize and plan events and provide for the students. They also donate food for the students at every game and parade.

Mr. Dudek has been a director at Santiago for roughly 20 years; through his time, he says that the most important thing he has learned is that “It’s not about me.” He explains that many directors think it’s about them, not the students. Dudek explains that the best part of being a director is seeing “when it clicks” and how emotional the program the band produces can be. He introduces a vital part of the program, where everyone is so thoroughly invested that it becomes more than music. It becomes life. Dudek has allowed this to be something that has influenced his teaching career, showing staff and students that he cares so much about the well-being of the program and, ultimately, the success students feel after meeting and even going past their goals.

The ultimate goal of the BOSS is to offer a space where students can grow in their love of music and as a community. Mr Estep, the newest director to the BOSS in his first year here and a Santiago alumni, says that his favorite part of being a director is “ Seeing you all having fun.” These are the long-lasting memories that the directors prioritize. “A program is only as good as the fun they have,” said Estep. Recounting his time here, he says, “The moments you remember are the bus rides, the fairs, and the awards. Not the competition.” Ultimately, the things that seem so important become so minor compared to the impression made on students’ lives.

Mr. McGee has been a director at Santiago for three years and is currently teaching in his fourth. Before his time at Santiago, he taught at Citrus Hills Intermediate and was a director of the graduating class of 2025. McGee has been a part of the BOSS for four years, but his close ties to this year’s graduating class have been curated over the last 6. When speaking to him, he states that one of his biggest challenges as a director here is not letting anyone “slip through the cracks.” He explains that with so many students, it becomes difficult to have personal connections with each one of them. The directors always put in their best effort to know the students’ names and who they really are. 

McGee touches on not being a “yelling director” but rather a “when are you going to learn it?” director. Over the years, the director’s attempts to encourage students to do their part rather than reprimand them for unprepared have allowed the BOSS to become a safe space of learning and growth. These details from all three directors have gained the students’ trust as someone they know is working in their best interest.

Even with all the work students put in, they repeatedly claim that they wouldn’t change their decision to join the band. Three drum majors in the BOSS are student leaders to the rest of their 317 peers. One  of those, Amy Tsusmi, said that her biggest joy in being drum major is “being able to help the band grow.” and being there for the rest of her “team.” The debate stands on whether or not the band is a sport, but it has certainly become a team. She states, “I wouldn’t change my mind about joining the band. It has given me friends that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.” A community of people that students say they wouldn’t exchange band for anything.

As a member of the BOSS, running for four years, I agree that the band is something I would never regret. The long hours of rehearsals and classes may be tiring at times, long days may lead to longer nights, and we’re not always as school-spirited as we should be, but this is all worth the family I have gained from this beautiful program. As someone who has dedicated nearly 450 hours to the marching program alone over my time here so far, I have never regretted the opportunities I have. I have a friend group where I spend endless hours in an environment where we are recognized and supported. I have directors who care so deeply about my success as a band member, a student, and most importantly, a person. I have learned determination, sheer will, and the mental battle to achieve your goals. I’ve experienced things I never would have, and I am honored to be a part of a group that spreads positivity and offers friendly competition.

So, what does it take to be in the BOSS? A lot—sometimes more than you’d expect—but with patience, kindness, respect, and the desire to grow with people who want what’s best for you, anyone can be included in the program that I, and many others, are lucky to call family.