On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Valadez Middle School Academy Performing Band was invited to perform at the Orange County Department of Education’s “HOCO” Staff Pep Rally and Luncheon, where they proudly represented their community and the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. Scott Fitzpatrick, Arts Coordinator for the Orange County Department of Education, helped coordinate the opportunity and bring the performance together.
The band opened with “All Together Now” by The Beatles, personally arranged for the ensemble by director Mrs. Jennifer Garcia at the request of OCDE in celebration of its theme for the year. Students also performed “Golden Eagle March,” sharing their musicianship and school spirit with OCDE staff.
The Valadez Performing Band is under the direction of Mrs. Garcia, the 2024 Orange County Music and Arts Administrators (OCMAA) Award recipient for Secondary Instrumental Music, with support from marching instructor Daniel Escobar and percussion coach Sean Parra. The ensemble is led by drum majors Angel Contreras and Jitz-Abel Luna.
Comprised of 7th and 8th grade students, the Performing Band performs throughout the school year as both a parade and concert band. The ensemble recently earned a Superior Rating at the SCSBOA Adjudicated Festival and represented its community at Knott’s Berry Farm.
A special thank you to Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean for welcoming our students and providing an opportunity to celebrate the arts as part of this special OCDE event. The performance gave these young musicians an opportunity to share their talents beyond their school community and showcase the outstanding music education taking place at Valadez MS Academy and throughout PYLUSD.
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