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I would like to encourage you to continue to play music at El Camino High School. The El Camino High School Instrumental Music Program has many opportunities for students to perform, such as marching band, concert band, Jazz band, orchestra, drum line, and color guard.
Website & Social Media Sites
Website https://www.echsgoldenpride.org/home
Our website is a great way to check out our calendar, purchase merchandise, get program information, donate, and contact board members. You can also keep up with Booster Meeting minutes and so much more.
Social Media Sites
The latest flyers, schedules, and weekly updates are posted on these channels.
Facebook ECHS Golden Pride Instrumental Music
Instagram @ecgoldenpride
Group Messaging
All parents and guardians are encouraged to join the group on BAND.us, which we use as a central hub for communication and coordination (& picture sharing). State your student's name in your profile, and send a message to the Admin for which program sub-groups you would like to be added to.
Contact Mr. James, Band Director: daniel.james@oside.us
Contact Veronica Mendoza, Band Booster President: president@echsgoldenpride.org
The Golden Pride stays active during the summer months with at least 3 events. Take a look below at the summer program that you can expect.
Mini Camp
Schedule: Monday June 15 through Wed June 17, 2026
12:30pm-2:30pm: Music Block - Play in ensemble and sectionals
2:30pm-4:30pm: Visual Block - Learn marching and visual basics
Mini Camp Information
Who needs to attend? All incoming new members for marching band/percussion/color guard, and the Golden Pride leadership (drum majors, band president, sectional leaders, librarians, and quartermasters).
Punctuality: Be on time = ten minutes early
Health: Bring these everyday: Water (32oz+), Sunscreen, Hat, Beach Towel, Snacks if needed (think protein, not chips).
Wear: PE style clothes, light colors, and lace up shoes.
Do this everyday: In bed by 10pm. Eat well at each meal, you’ll be burning a lot of calories.
Equipment: Instrument, one-inch binder, 10 sheet protectors, pencil and highlighter.
Absences: Mini camp attendance is highly recommended for new members if you are in town. This time is setting you up for the foundation that you need to be successful. Limit absences as much as possible. Communicate with Mr. James regarding any unavoidable absences ASAP.
Oceanside Independence Day Parade
Each year the El Camino Golden Pride Marching Band and Guard participates in the Oceanside Independence Day Parade. It is an exciting parade attended by thousands, broadcast on local TV, and a really fun day. We are proud to support the Oceanside community by our participation.
There will be one rehearsal Friday, June 26. The parade will take place the next day on Saturday, June 27. The parade is open to all members existing and incoming, and you are encouraged to participate if you are in town.
Below is the itinerary for both the rehearsal and parade:
Parade Rehearsal
Friday, June 26
9:00am Rehearsal
10:30am Students dismissed
10:30am Any adjustments to uniforms or fittings
Parade Day Itinerary
Saturday, June 27
8:00am Report to music room, load sousaphones and percussion onto truck
9:45am Line up in parade staging area
10:30am Parade performance
11:50am Students dismissed
Band Camp
Band camp is required for all marching band members. The dates and times are as follows:
Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31: 11:30am-8:30pm. Dinner is from 3:30-4:30pm
Uniform fittings: Saturday, August 1: 12th grade: 9am-12pm, 11th grade: 12pm-3pm
Monday, August 3 to Thursday August 6: 11:30am-8:30pm. Dinner is from 3:30-4:30pm
Uniform fittings: Saturday, August 8: 10th grade: 9am-12pm, 9th grade: 12pm-3pm
Thursday August 6 at 6:30pm: Preview Concert at Herb Meyer Stadium: everyone is invited to see what the students have accomplished!
Quick reminders
Punctuality: Be on time = ten minutes early
Health: Bring these everyday: Water (32oz+), Sunscreen, Hat, Beach Towel, Snacks if needed (think protein, not chips).
Wear: PE style clothes, light colors, and lace up shoes (open toe footwear will not be allowed).
Do this everyday: In bed by 10pm. Eat well at each meal, you’ll be burning a lot of calories.
Equipment: Instrument, one-inch binder, 10 sheet protectors, pencil and highlighter.
Absences: This time is setting you up for the foundation that you need to be successful. Limit absences as much as possible. Communicate with Mr. James regarding any unavoidable absences ASAP.
Uniforms: students will be fitted for a marching band uniform during Camp.
New Member Packet. If you missed the new member info meeting or would like a reminder of the topics covered, click below.
Click here to view the new member packet.
Being a part of the EC Music Program requires a lot of help from student's families and the community to financially support of our staff, students, and a variety of other additional expenses that are not covered by the district. The competitive group programs offer a "Fair Share" program to help with costs. We have a variety of fundraisers scheduled for the year which we hope will work for each family to help support in whatever way they are able. Click here for specific information and helpful tips on fundraising possibilities to support your students.
Please contact Mr. James directly with any questions at daniel.james@oside.us.