2024 has been a record year for the Bands Of Santiago Sharks (BOSS). From January first to now, this year’s BOSS program has made school history. The award-winning program is a part of the local “Big Three,” as known by band members from all around SoCal. The big three consist of Santiago BOSS, Diamond Bar High, and Arcadia High, their nickname given to them because of their extraordinary performances and their top scores at Southern California competitions.
The BOSS marching band comprises roughly 300 students who comprise a JV and Varsity Competition block. It has been a consistent program at Santiago, starting with only about 29 students, the BOSS has grown to become something students should be proud of.
At the start of 2024, the BOSS moved to Colorado Boulevard for the 134th Rose Parade. Although this is no new venture for Santiago, this would mark the third time Santiago proudly marched down the Boulevard. The sea of teal took to silver screens across the nation. Corona and surrounding cities rallied together to support the BOSS and their incredible work to get to this point. Members of the program, current, past, and future, gathered in the name of music and happiness. The goal of the BOSS has always been to spread the love of music, and through the Rose Parade, they could do that by the million.
This year marks the start of our Junior Varsity competition season. While we have had a JV block in the past, this was the first year they competed with an actual march and had placed in their competition season. This hopefully sparks the ignition for two continuous bands on the competition front. The BOSS couldn’t be more excited for this new phase of our band’s career.
The Varsity block at Santiago is as strong as ever. With roughly a 90-person block, the varsity band has won multiple awards this season. Marching to “Americans We,” the band was shaping up for an amazing season. While they faced internal and external challenges, including music, marching ability, low scoring and long practices, the band persevered and went on to the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) championship competition at Arcadia High School.
This competition is by invitation only, making it one of the biggest events in parade band. The event is made up of 44 bands ranging in skillset, which establishes four different divisions. Santiago went head to head with ten groups of great skill, including the reigning Diamond Bar High School (DBHS). While the BOSS understood the skill level of DBHS, they went in prepared to do their best and with a mindset to win. For the first time in Santiago history, the BOSS took home sweepstakes—Dethroning Diamond Bar High School, giving all BOSS seniors an incredible end to their marching season.
In 250 feet, the 90-person band made history. Santiago is the newest home of the Arcadia Festival of Bands perpetual trophy and the proud band that made history. What was just a far-off dream for many BOSS students has finally become a reality. What was just a far-off dream for our directors and staff has finally become a reality. A day full of dreams come true and a year full of record numbers and history-making events.
