About Us
The Blue and Black Brigade Band and Colorguard
The West Hills High School "Blue and Black Brigade" is an up-and-coming ensemble located in sunny Santee, California. What we currently lack in size, we more than make up for in dedication, skill, grit, and positivity. We know that through working together as a team, we can achieve our goals.
The Blue and Black Brigade was the smallest competing ensemble in all of Southern California in the 2021 marching season. With only 18 performers, we competed against groups twice our size. Despite this, we consistently placed in the top ten for the duration of the season, and at out highest point, were ranked 6th out of 21 ensembles.
We openly accept students with prior band experience each year. Colorguard is open to any student no matter their experience level. Students must be in either the Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, or Colorguard class to participate.
Annual Ensemble Timeline Overview
We begin each school year as The Blue and Black Brigade Marching Band and Colorguard. We spend our time rehearsing for our field show competitions, pep and halftime performances at our football games, and other school or community performances.
We quickly become a Symphonic Band for a Holiday Concert, and then continue as a Symphonic Ensemble for the duration of the spring semester while concurrently becoming a pep band to support our Varsity Basketball teams.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in Indoor Drumline in the spring semester. There is no prior percussion experience required. For the 19-20 school year, our bass line was made up entirely of clarinet and saxophone players.
Colorguard becomes Winterguard, and is independent from the band in the spring semester. See the "Winterguard" tab for more information.
Instructional Staff
Catarina Fernandez
Director
Contact Information:
cfernandez@guhsd.net
619.956.0563
Zachary Fishman
Brass Performance Expert, Drill Writer, Composer/Arranger
Darby Gastellum
Color Guard Coach
Megan Hardy
Color Guard Coach
Chris D'Ambrosio
Drumline & Pit Coach