Roseville High School senior Erik Lopes is always in step as a member of the RHS marching band, and now he is taking a step onto the national stage. 

     Last week, an assembly was held in Lopes’s honor for being inducted into the Army’s All American Band. He was one of only 97 selected out of over 2,000 applicants.

     Encouraged by RHS band director Mark Toffelmier, Lopes committed himself to memorize, record and perfectly perform a pre-selected number on his sousaphone (tuba) that would be sent in for review. All video applications were analyzed by a panel of judges and selected for the combination of musical superiority and individual leadership and social skills. Toffelmier acknowledges Lopes’s effort and believes he has earned his position in the band.

     “He made this accomplishment because of individual determination and hard work,” said Toffelmier.

     The Army’s All American Band is comprised of high school seniors from all over America who come together for a week in January on an all expenses paid trip to San Antonio. There, they will perform at the Army’s All American Bowl (an all-star high school football game) at the Alamo Dome and at the events surrounding it. According to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Harvey, to be a part of this experience is a great honor and can be very beneficial later in life.   

      “I would imagine that there are a lot of opportunities that this opens up,” said Harvey. “It looks great on a college application, and there are a lot of opportunities to be gained from this experience that you wouldn't have had otherwise. I think it's a great thing for high school students to do. Being one of 97 kids across the country is a great honor.”

    Lopes was recognized at RHS last week during an assembly in his honor. Toffelmier, varsity football coach Larry Cunha and RHS principal Brad Basham each made congratulatory speeches about Lopes’s accomplishment.

     “At some point in time, it had to be Erik’s determination that got him onto the football field and that got him throughout that audition and to the top 97 musicians in the country,” said Cunha

     Lopes was thrilled and humbled about his national recognition.
     “I was really excited when I heard I made it,” said Lopes. “This brings honor to RHS, our band and my family and without all of them, this would not be possible.” 

       Lopes recognizes the significance of his achievement and hopes to be able to continue on a similar path after high school as a part of the 59th National Guard Army Band.