"And now, from Hacienda Heights, California, a sight to hear and a sound to see, Los Altos High School proudly presents las canciones de los conquistadores, the songs of the Conquerors!"
These familiar words, along with their well-known tune, Conquistadores, has introduced the Los Altos Entertainment Unit to audiences all over the world as they step onto the field for an exciting show. The EU, under the co-direction of Mrs. Sheryl Carruth and Mr. Mark Gunderson, features over 100 members which includes instrumentalists, percussionists, and auxilary performers (dance and colorguard), making it a new participant in the SCSBOA Class 5A. It is known to be one of the finest high school bands located in southern California and has made appearances in several competitive field show tournaments, band reviews, parades. The EU has traveled to various places around the globe to perform their inspirational music: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, as well as 29 featured performances at the prestigious Royal Tournament in London as guests of the British Milita. The Unit has also performed at the White House in Washington DC, in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona, and served as the Official Youth Band of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Along with competing in various tournaments and football games, the EU makes an annual appearance at Disneyland after culminating their season with the final tournament, "SCSBOA Championships."
After two years of different director changes, the Los Altos Entertainment Unit warmly welcomes Mark Gunderson back to the EU family. After Mr. Richard Naylor announced his resignation, rumors of the new band director started to emerge. Mr. Gunderson officially became part of the EU staff once again on June 14, 2004.
Mr. G went to Cal State University, Fullerton, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education in 1988, and in May of 1999, received a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting. He came to Los Altos in 1990 as assistant director to his father, Don Gunderson. After 10 years as a father-son band, "Young Gun," as he was formally called by students, assumed the position as head director when "Top Gun" retired in 2000.
Due to Mr. Gunderson's knowledge in trombone, it helped him with his vast knowledge in brass instruments, and he demonstrates it as brass coordinator for the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corp. In addition, he's an active adjudicator as well as a member of the SCSBOA.
In 2002, Mr. G got married and moved up to San Francisco, where he has been hiding for the past two years. Fortunately for Los Altos, he decided to move back to Southern California in 2004, and applied for the open position of band director at Los Altos High School.
Welcome back Mr. Gunderson! The Los Altos Entertainment Unit and alumni are happy to see you back at work with us. We look forward to the future as you help continue the long-lasting traditions Los Altos is known for. Once a conqueror, always a conqueror! =)
