About
About the Program
Contact the Director
Ms. Sophia Sumpo
ssumpo@eduhsd.k12.ca.us
Mission Statement
The Ponderosa Band Program’s mission is to ensure that the skills necessary to become first-class musicians, performers, and leaders are being developed by providing high quality music instruction as part of a well-rounded education.
About Us
The Ponderosa Band Program is home to award-winning groups and musicians and serves approximately 200 students each year. Ensembles include concert band, symphonic band, two jazz bands, competitive field show marching band, winter percussion, winter color guard, and a number of student-run combo ensembles. Our talented young students work extremely hard and spend hours in preparation for exciting performances both local and afar. The band program consistently brings home top ratings in all their performance endeavors.
Support
The band is supported by the Ponderosa High School Band Booster Club, a 501c3 non-profit organization that aides in supporting the Ponderosa Bands and Color Guard. Please join the Boosters and help us provide the best band experience for our kids!
Meet Our Staff
Band Director – Sophia Sumpo
Welcome to the Ponderosa Bruin Bands website! My name is Sophia Sumpo and I am the director of all of the wonderful instrumental ensembles at Ponderosa. I grew up in Sacramento and graduated from Pleasant Grove HS in Elk Grove. After earning my Bachelors in Music Education at Sacramento State in 2021, I went to San Diego State University to pursue my teaching credential. I have taught music throughout Northern and Southern California for the last seven years bouncing from Drumline and Marching Band to Orchestra and Choir. I'm excited to take on this new role as the director!
Percussion Caption Head – Kevin Bowlson
Bio coming soon!
Color Guard Caption Head – Madison Resendes
Hi, I'm the Ponderosa High School Color Guard Caption Head. I went to Ponderosa and was in Color Guard all four years. I graduated as the Captain and joined the Sacramento State Color Guard. During my five years in the Sac State Guard, I was the Captain for three of those years. Throughout the years, I developed a strong sense of devotion to Color Guard and want to continue being a part of it. As a coach, not only do I want to teach them the skills, technique, and discipline, but I also want to show them how fun this performance sport can be!
Battery Instructor - Kenya Abdallah
Kenya Abdallah joins the Ponderosa Marching Band percussion staff for the 2022 season. She is currently attending Sacramento State pursuing a degree in music education and performance in percussion studies. Her marching experience includes Blue Devils C 2016-2018, Golden Empire 2020-2021, Colts 2022, Sacramento State Marching Band 2019-2021, Sacramento State Indoor 2020.
Front Ensemble Instructor - Bee Trinh
Bee Trinh is endorsed by Innovative Percussion as one of their educators. Bee grew up in Elk Grove and graduated from Laguna Creek HS. They have graduated from Sacramento State in 2022 with their Bachelors of Music Education. Their marching experience includes a DCI season during 2019 at Golden Empire DBC and Sacramento State Indoor from 2019-2022, where they were one of the founding members of the group's first competitive seasons. Bee also works at Laguna Creek HS as their front ensemble arranger and instructor, West Park HS as an instructor, and the Sacramento State Marching Band and Indoor as the front ensemble caption head.
Winds + Visual Instructor/Drill Designer - EJ Charles
EJ Charles is the director of bands at Argonaut high school and Jackson junior high school in Jackson, California. He has much experience in the marching arts as a performer as well as an educator. His performance credits include the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps from 2015 to 2016 as well as the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps from 2017 to 2019. On the teaching end, EJ has worked with numerous programs around the Sacramento area as a drill designer, visual caption head, and music technician. Additionally he has worked with Golden Empire drum corps as a brass technician and Immortal WInds of Sacramento as a visual tech. EJ is very excited to continue working with Ms. Sumpo and the rest of the staff at Ponderosa!
Visual/Winds/Drum Major Instructor - Jesus Alberto-Muniz
Bio coming soon!
Music Assistant – Carter Wymer
Carter Wymer is from Cameron Park, CA. He is currently going to Folsom Lake College to major in Computer Science and minor in Music. Carter was brought on as an assistant to Ms. Sumpo to support the band and gain experience for his music career. He looks forward to working with Ms. Sumpo and the Band!