After countless rehearsals and perfecting each note, 41 Diamond Bar High School Brahmas attended the All-Southern Honor group event held by The Southern California Band and Orchestra Association “SCSBOA.” The event lasted two full days Jan. 21 and 22 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Garden Grove.

All Southern Band is a nonprofit for students with lots of talent, who are given the opportunity to work along with other talented musicians ranging from elementary all the way to university. To join All Southern, you have to go through a process of multiple rigorous auditions and lengthy rehearsals. 

The association is dedicated to help students develop a greater appreciation of music, while exploring both vocational and non-vocational opportunities in music and refining and improving their techniques. 

For some, All-Southern was a learning experience because of the diversity of the musicians present. Brahmas in the All Southern band play everything ranging from rubs to flutes. 

“All Southern was an opportunity for me to play with many experienced musicians and from them learn valuable lessons on how to grow not only as a musician, but as a person too,” sophomore Joseph Yoo, who plays the flute, said via Instagram. 

Brahmas who attended the event played a total of three pieces: “Dusk” by Steven Bryant, “Berlioz Hungarian March” by Berloiz and “Symphony No. 5 Mov. IV” by Tchaikovsky.

In preparation for the event, they rehearsed for eight hours on both days and performed their pieces late into the afternoon on the second day. Nonetheless, brahmas practiced the parts to their pieces prior to the event. 

However, despite the whole experience, Yoo claims that there were many things he wished he could have done in further preparation for the overall event. 

“I think I could’ve prepared even earlier than I did since I would have been more comfortable with the pieces,” Yoo said. 

Despite the musicians’ beliefs, though, the event offered much inspiration, according to not only the musicians, but also the teachers and directors who watched the rehearsals and performances as well. The event was largely a growing experience for both the students and teachers. 

“Overall, my experience was spectacular as I got to meet new people and rehearse and perform under the leadership of brilliant conductors,” Yoo said. 

For Junior Lucy Wu the experience was overall very rewarding as it allowed her to learn more tips in playing the euphonium. The experience allowed her to bond and learn with other band students. 

“All Southern has a special place in my heart,” Wu said via Instagram. “This year was my fifth year doing all southern, and I like it because I was able to meet more people who are passionate about music like me.”