Carrillo’s music program triumphs at Anaheim’s Heritage Music Festival

Bowker, Becker, and Bringhedhal with the major awards(Ari Moran)

By: Sophia Nagra, staff writer

Maria Carrillo High School’s band program delivered an unforgettable performance at the Anaheim Heritage Music Festival, returning home with top honors and national recognition. Competing against nearly 65 other schools from seven states, Carrillo’s talented musicians rose to the occasion, earning multiple awards and showcasing their program's incredible heart and strength.

Under the direction of Matthew Bringhedahl and Matthew Bowker, Maria Carrillo’s instrumental music program offers a wide range of ensembles. Instrumental music director Bringhedahl leads the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Concert Band, and Jazz 1. Assistant director Bowker directs Jazz 2, Symphonic Band, and Mariachi. These classes are filled with decorated musicians and represent the core of a program built on passion, discipline, and community. 

The festival awards were categorized into 1, 2, and 3. The higher the number, the more advanced the ensemble.

One of the festival’s highest honors, the Instrumental Sweepstakes Award, was awarded to Carrillo for having the highest combined score across all performing groups. 

Bringhedahl fourth time proudly collecting Carillos award (Ari Moran)

The Wind Ensemble won first place, with a Gold rating in the 3A, largest wind band division, and an average score of 99/100. Musicians are critically evaluated on everything, from intonation, tone, rhythm, and accuracy, to shape and feeling. 

Jazz 1 won first place with a Gold rating in the 3A Jazz band division. 

Orchestra band representatives ( Ari Moran)

The orchestra won first place, with gold and a 97.5 rating. 

Festival Band received a high silver in the 3A wind band division, showcasing an average 89 score. 

Festival Band representative, holding silver ( Ari Moran)

Jazz 2 received the same, but in the 3A Jazz band division, it strongly reflected the group’s advanced musicianship and powerful performance. 

In addition, six out of nine Maestro Awards—given to individuals for outstanding musical excellence—were awarded to Carrillo students Kapil Dave, Yen Khai Chan, Kevin Paul-Merritt, Luca Bizaca, Jonathan Ling, and Jack Morelli. 

However, one of the most powerful moments for many students, when they truly realized the extent of their merit and effort, was after the Wind Ensemble performance, during the clinic portion, when an adjudicator, or judge, stepped on the stage to give live feedback. With emotion, she told the students that their sound was extraordinary—something rare to hear, especially from the youth. She said they made her feel something. She spoke of the rare connection between the players, the audience, and Bringhedahl that elevated the performance beyond notes and rhythms. When she asked Bringhedahl how he achieves that kind of unity, emotion, and distinction in his ensembles, he humbly replied that it is “just high expectations.” 

Bringhedal and Bowker holding sweepstakes award (Ari Moran)

That moment captured what makes Carrillo’s music program so special. It’s not just about winning trophies, though they certainly did that. It’s about creating something meaningful together that moves people and stays with them long after the last note fades. 

This victory is a testament to the students’ dedication, the leadership of their directors, and the unique spirit that runs through the heart of Carrillo’s music program. They didn’t just compete—they inspired. And they remind us, time and time again, that music, the arts, the very core of humanity, connects us in the most powerful ways.