The City of Porterville can boast the two best middle school bands in Central California.
The Burton Middle School Bulldog Marching Band capped off an extraordinary season, earning top honors in competitions across California and solidifying its reputation as one of the most accomplished middle school band programs around.
On Saturday it was a clean sweep for Burton at the Central California Band Review at Merced’s Golden Valley High School as the band won Music Sweepstakes, Marching Sweepstakes, Showmanship Sweepstakes, overall Sweepstakes, Auxiliary Sweepstakes, 1st place Drum Major and 1st Place Drum Line. Right behind was Sequoia Middle School Hawks Marching Band which had the second highest score behind Burton and placed first in Junior Division A
Throughout the fall Burton showcased its talent and precision at several prestigious events, including the Fresno Fair Band Review, Visalia Lions Band Review and the Santa Cruz Beach Band Review.
By the end of the season, the Bulldogs’ trophy collection had grown to an impressive 11 sweepstakes awards, 7 first place awards, 4 second place awards, and 3 third place awards — one of the most decorated seasons ever for the Burton music program.
Drum Major Emma Born also stood out individually, earning three first place finishes and one third place finish in her leadership category. Her performances were praised for their precision, confidence, and musical command.
“This year’s success is the result of dedication, teamwork, and countless hours of practice,” said Band Director Jack Amaral. “Our students set a new standard for excellence, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.”
The Bulldogs aren’t slowing down yet. Up next, the band will take its award-winning performance to a national stage as it prepares to march in the Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 30, representing the community of Porterville with pride.
As the season draws to a close, one thing is clear: the Burton Bulldog Marching Band has marched its way into the history books.
Sequoia closed out its 2025 competitive season on a high note at the Central California Band Review. In their debut performance in the Northern California Band Association, the Hawks delivered an outstanding showing, earning first in Junior High Division A and posting a score of 80.4, the second-highest score of the event. Sequoia was one of only two bands to score in the 80s along with Burton.
The band’s impressive performance also came with several close calls for top honors, missing the Showmanship Sweepstakes by just 0.2 points and the Marching Sweepstakes by a mere 0.05 points. In addition to their band awards, Sequoia earned 1st Place Auxiliary, 3rd Place Military Drum Major, and 4th Place Street Percussion.
“This was an incredible way to end our season,” said Sequoia band director Richard Madrigal. “To travel to a completely new region, compete in a different circuit, and perform at such a high level is something we’re all very proud of. Our students represented Sequoia and the City of Porterville with excellence.
“I would also like to extend our congratulations to our friends at Burton Middle School and Director Jack Amaral on their Sweepstakes win at CCBR. For two bands to take the top two scores at an event and be about three miles apart from each other is incredible. We look forward to seeing you in competition again soon.”
The 2025 season was one of Sequoia’s most successful to date. The Hawks earned top honors throughout the fall, including 1st Place at the Caruthers Fair Band Review and Grand Sweepstakes at the Fowler Band Review.
“With steady growth and rising achievement, the Sequoia Middle School Hawks Marching Band continues to build a proud legacy of excellence both on and off the street,” Madrigal said. “We look forward to the off-season to begin preparing for CMEA Festival in March.”