The Northwinds Homeschool Band recently traveled to Southern California to compete in a WorldStrides Heritage Festival held at Fullerton College.

The trip also included a recording studio workshop at Disney Performance Studios and a concert on stage at California Adventure Theme Park.

Northwinds Advanced Band was privileged to participate in the WorldStrides OnStage Festival of Gold, an invitation-only event, featuring a tribute concert honoring American veterans of the Vietnam War, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

Furthermore, 27 band members auditioned and were selected to participate in the Orange County Festival of Gold Honor Band or Honor Orchestra.

Led by director Dan Tutton, the band received the following Heritage Festival awards: Jazz Band 1: Gold-first; Adjudicator award for high score, Advanced Band: Gold-first; Adjudicator award for high score, Intermediate Band: Gold-third; Jazz Band 2: Silver, and a Maestro Award was presented to trombonist Jared Fodge.

As is customary for gold award winners, the band was once again invited to participate in an Elite Performance Series Festival of Gold, held annually in Anaheim, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Nashville, and San Francisco.

Later this month, the bands will plant and later sell flower baskets as part of their ongoing fundraising efforts, the proceeds of which help fund music purchases, festival and competition participation and travel expenses.

Baskets are available for pre-order by calling or texting 843-817-3477 and delivery is provided if desired.

The public also is invited to “Save the Date” for Northwinds Homeschool Band’s Year-End Concert at 7 p.m. June 6 at Independent Bible Church in Port Angeles.