Bands go head to head in Merced

High school bands from around the state took to the streets Saturday to see who could put on the best show at an annual competition.

Golden Valley High School was home to pounding drums, whistling flutes and growling saxophones much of the day during the 56th annual Central California Band Review.

The competition was larger than last year, according to organizers, with more than 40 bands from Bakersfield to the Bay Area.

Mike Vasquez Jr., director of bands for Golden Valley High, said the review is the second-longest-running band review in California. A band review in Southern California is about five years older.

The review began as an annual Veterans Day parade – first held Nov. 11, 1960 – and has morphed into the competition it is now. That first year saw 11 bands, according to organizers.

It’s known to draw 5,000 to 7,000 visitors, organizers said.

The review is annually the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Cardinal Regime Band Boosters, which generates funds for the Golden Valley High band. Those dollars help cover the cost of uniforms, instruments and travel, among other expenses.

This story was originally published November 15, 2015 at 2:05 PM with the headline "Bands go head to head in Merced."