Information Desk
These are some of the questions we often get from interested people.
Who are we?
"I've heard of the Santa Ana Winds. What exactly do you guys do? Who are you?"
The Santa Ana Winds is a very active youth group, performing at parades, concerts, field shows, banquets, and conventions throughout the year. You may have seen us on TV as the confetti shooting "Hollywood snow" band in the Hollywood Christmas Parade, or perhaps winning a six foot sweepstakes trophy at your local parade. We travel across Southern California and the rest of the United States, and have performed numerous times in Canada, Mexico, and across Europe.
Our season begins the first Monday in October and goes on through the middle of August. However, we accept new members at any time of the year. Summer is our busiest schedule, with sometimes three parades a day! And the musical education received is priceless.
Colorguard, wind instruments, and percussion sections all have instructors to help members develop and expand their talents. We are always searching for new members, no matter what you play or spin, just as long as you are between the ages of 14 to 21 and are ready to be dedicated.
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Location
"Santa Ana Winds... So does that mean you're from Santa Ana?"
Our members come from all over Southern California, including Santa Ana.
We are currently located at Godinez Fundamental High School, AKA Valley West High School.
The address is: 3002 Centennial Rd., Santa Ana, CA 92704 (click the link for a Google Map of the area).
We rehearse on Monday nights from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
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How do I join?
"I'd like to join, but what do I need to do?"
Becoming a member of The Santa Ana Winds is very simple. You just show up!
There are no auditions.
Your first night with us is spent as a "guest," which simply means you do not pay. Check us out, play or spin along, see if you like us, and if you like what you see and hear, come back the next Monday night with the $10 monthly dues and join as a full member. You just fill out a simple form and you're in. There are no embarrassing initiation processes. We are a senior youth band, so some experience in playing or spinning is, obviously, required.
Even though our season starts in October, we accept new members all year round. Even if you have not marched in years, or specialized only in field show and never really did many parades, the instructors will gladly assist you in learning our unique marching style. Remember, we are a marching band. Be prepared to march.
The Santa Ana Winds can provide tubas, trombones, baritones, marching French horns, and percussion instruments for use at Winds activities free of cost. Ask about borrowing a Winds instrument. All other instruments must be personally owned, rented, or checked out through your school. If you do not have access to an instrument, ask either the webmasters or Mr. Ward if we can work out a solution.
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Expenses
"How much is training like this going to cost me?"
Since 1973, the Winds have only asked its members for $10 monthly dues. Your dues pay for uniform cleaning, new music, Winds instrument repair, and local transportation. We use air-conditioned chartered busses with reclining seats provided by StarDust Tours!
Uniforms are provided free of charge, except shoes. You will need white marching. Prices may change due to factory sales and shipping costs. Ask Mr. Ward about using white shoes from your school's band.
If you are interested in showing band spirit once you join, we have our own polo-style white T-shirts with our logo on the front and red wind breaker jackets with the star logo on front and back. These are considered our civilian uniforms, or "out-of-uniform" uniforms. Both are optional.
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Why the Winds?
"Why the Winds? What have you got over those other youth bands?"
Here are just a few things we are proud of.
Experience- Mr. Ward has seen over 4,000 members pass under his baton over the years. We have guest conductors to shed new light onto old scores, instructors in all sections, and dedicated alumni who return to help out the new faces. Many Winds members have gone on to become choreographers, professional musicians, and band directors across the country.
Friendship- Even though we are bringing together sometimes rival schools, such affiliations do not carry over into the Winds. People quickly bond, no matter what they play/spin or what other bands they might have played in before. There have even been numerous members to make their Winds sweetheart as their lifetime wedded soulmate. However, attending practice does not ensure a date on Friday!
Location- We practice in the heart of beautiful Orange County, California. We're located just off the 5 Freeway and about a block from the OCTA Santa Ana transit terminal (see directions above). However, many of our members come from Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernadino, and San Diego Counties. For these highly dedicated individuals, we try to work out carpool groups with members from surrounding schools.
Cost- The Winds have not raised our dues since the 1970s. What other organization can claim that? Since we are a non-profit organization, we raise all of our own money. We do not depend upon sponsorships to keep us aflout. Although we rely on such little income, Mr. Ward makes sure ends meet so that we can still afford chartered buses and have enough money left over for a wonderful end-of-the-year banquet.
Tradition-
We are the Official Ambassadors of Music for Orange County, two-time national
field show champions, and have so many trophies and awards we don't have room
to store them. We've been to Europe, Mexico, and Canada six times each, have
just returned from a tour of the Northwest Coast, and are considering another
tour this coming summer. The band is one of few to be considered of world-class
quality. This is a group to be proud of, a name you can place on your resume
for any job. Many small traditions have worked their way into the band's
activities, including our unique step-off and our new left-handed salute at
attention. Each season leaves it's own legacy which, as a whole, produce what
is known as The Santa Ana Winds.
So, why the Winds? Come and see for yourself.
Be a part of a 35-year tradition of performance, musicianship, and
camaraderie. Be a part of history!
Be a part of The Santa Ana Winds!
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How to contact us
I wanna know more. Who do I ask?
If you have any more questions about us, contact The TigerRag WebTeam at sawinds@gmail.com.
You may also call our information number, (714) 626-0081.
