For over a month, the Fallon Band Program has been thriving despite the absence of Mr. Garcia. But how exactly does a student-led program keep the music playing?
Mr. Garcia, the school’s band teacher and a great musician, is off work on paternity leave to bond with his newly born child. This is Mr. Garcia’s second baby, named Henry Garcia, born March 2, 2026. With Mr. Garcia leaving, the school has found an excellent substitute teacher, Ms. Lewin. Ms. Lewin was a music teacher with extensive experience. “It takes another part of our mind to create music; our music makers are often the people to solve big problems and think outside of the box. The Fallon Middle School Band is very creative, the band is doing a great job, and I love their choice of music,” says Ms. Lewin.
Offering additional support, our talented musicians lead the band; Mr. Garcia chose leadership roles before he left the various bands, and those leaders have stood up to lead the bands in their daily rehearsals. “With the absence of Mr. Garcia, we need good student leaders to lead productive rehearsals,” says Miles Kouzmov, percussion leader of the Symphonic Band. With our great leaders conducting the band and the guidance of Ms. Lewin, all of the bands have continued to improve and excel in their playing.
So, how does a daily rehearsal routine look without Mr. Garcia? It is actually pretty similar. Students enter the band room, take out their instruments, and warm up on their own. Then, the class’s student conductor calls the class to attention. Everything runs normally, with the students following the conductor’s direction and rehearsing a specific piece to prepare for the Fallon Spring Concert. After each run-through or after being stopped by the conductor, Ms. Lewin, or other experienced leaders in the class, will offer suggestions and comments. The band will rehearse the specific spots that need improvement again and wait for more instructions. With this in mind, the band constantly strives for improvement and trains to the best of their abilities for their concert.
The music hasn’t stopped, as the band recently took the stage for several high-profile performances. The band’s most recent concert, the DUSD district concert, held at Emerald High School, was a great success. Another great band experience was the Disney trip to Anaheim, Southern California, from March 11 to 14. The band, along with color guard, chorus, and orchestra, traveled together and had many performance opportunities. The marching band was exceptional in the Disney parade. “I feel like the Disney Parade march was very exciting and fun to perform in, and I felt we did well even with the absence of Mr. Garcia,” according to jazz band alto saxophone player and clarinet section leader Richard Liu. The performance was a great proof of our marching band’s talent and effort. After Mr. Garcia left, the marching band rehearsal after school was directed by EHS band students.
“I think the Emerald High Students did a very good job in the absence of Mr. Garcia to direct the marching band to be so great,” says Advit Mahajan, high brass section leader.
Overall, Mr. Garcia’s absence has not prevented the band from excelling and performing at its best. So many students helped out and bravely stood up to lead the band. The Fallon band is a group of students who never gave up and pushed themselves to their best with integrity and great perseverance. The band members congratulate Mr. Garcia on his new baby and eagerly await his return.
