Student: Anely Arredondo
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Anely plans to attend California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) and pursue a nursing degree and career.
GPS Focus: PRIDE & SERVICE
What Makes Anely #BulldogSTRONG: Like people who can speak many languages, there’s something pretty awe-inspiring about a good multi-instrumentalist. And it’s not about just picking up an alternative musical tool and having a go, it’s about truly being able to play several instruments really well. The most famous and, arguably, most talented multi-instrumentalist in music history is The Purple One - Prince. Besides his impeccable range as a vocalist, Prince was able to play the following instruments exceptionally well: guitar, bass guitar, piano, keyboards, synthesizer, clavinet, drums, percussion, saxophone, harmonica, Linn Drum. In his 1978 masterpiece For You, he played and arranged all of the 27 instruments featured on the album. At Golden Valley High School, the Bulldog Brigade has its own talented multi-instrumentalist star in Senior Anely Arredondo. Although Anely primarily plays the trombone as part of the GVHS Advanced Program and the marimba as part of drumline, she also possesses the ability to play a host of other instruments as well including the clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, euphonium, trombone, and the marimba. Out of all them, Anely enjoys playing the marimba the most. For the common person, the marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with yarn wrapped or rubber mallets to produce very unique and soothing musical tones. “The marimba is my favorite instrument to play because it requires a lot of effort and attention to detail to be played properly,” Anely states, “When it is played the right way, it produces such beautiful sound. It's the sound that is produced that makes it very fun to play.” For her versatility and gifts in playing a multitude of instruments, Anely was elected as president of the band and was selected as a section leader and captain of the drumline. Anely’s leadership and commitment have helped the band achieve much success this year. This past Wednesday, Golden Valley’s Advanced Band received a Superior Rating at the California Music Educators Association Festival at Stockdale High School which is the second time GVHS has received such an honor since it opened its doors in 2003. For Anely, she takes PRIDE in belonging to the band. “While the idea of just hitting things and blowing air into an instrument may seem boring, being a part of the program creates lifelong friendships and precious memories,” humbly comments Anely, “It has a lot of moments of hardship, yet the most valuable moments are where we come together and our spirits are lifted because the hardship turned to success.”
GVHS Band President, Anely Arredondo is a phenomenal multi-instrumentalist. However, she enjoys playing the marimba the most.
Beyond the success she has experienced while showcasing her musical talents, Anely has been an instrumental part of the GVHS #BulldogSTRONG Tier I Team. Once a month in the library, a group of amazing stakeholders that include students, parents, Classified staff, Certificated staff, and Administrators meet to discuss current issues on campus and make important decisions to shape our GPS culture, further making GVHS a special and supportive campus for ALL students to be successful. Anely has brought a vital student voice to the group to help ALL students be #BulldogSTRONG as she was instrumental in action planning around campus wide issues from safer/cleaner restrooms, substance abuse, tardy behavior, student support, and much more. “It's important to have a team that discusses campus culture and support often because that way, no one on campus will feel neglected,” humbly comments Anely, “Students need to know that their opinions matter to the staff and they will work to make a problem stop. The Tier I Team has multiple meetings throughout the year to be able to make everyone's stay at Golden Valley a #BulldogSTRONG one. Being part of the Tier I Team was rather enjoyable.” For the PRIDE she has in being able to play a number of instruments as the President of the Bulldog Brigade and in the SERVICE she provides her peers as a student representative on the Tier I Team, Anely Arredondo is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Anely: "Being #BulldogSTRONG to me means to be ready for school with a good attitude. Caring about our campus and the people within, as well as showing school spirit is a great example of what it means to me. ”
What Teachers and Staff Think About Anely:
"Anely Arredondo is an amazing example of being #BulldogSTRONG in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. In class Anely shows Growth by giving 100% and committing to taking our toughest courses. She has shown tremendous Pride throughout her time on campus not only in her quality coursework but in being a member of the Bulldog Marching Band for 4 years too. And this year I know Anely has committed herself to Service on campus and helping other Bulldogs as well by serving as a student representative on the GPS Committee and she has been working to help foster a support group similar to Thrive for our EL Students as well. Anely truly brightens the classroom for her teachers and her classmates as well. She is kind, funny, thoughtful, and has a very bright future ahead of her.” John Hansen, Government Teacher and We the People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Anely is an amazing student and is an integral part of the Golden Valley Bulldog Brigade. She is part of our top Marching Band, and our Drumline. She is a very talented musician and plays several instruments. Anely is extremely committed to not only the program but also her fellow peers. She is always willing to help others and has a fantastic attitude. I have seen her grow tremendously over the last four years and I’m very proud of the young lady she has become. I have high hopes for her future and I know her #BulldogSTRONG attitude will take her far in life!” Kristen Torres, Band Director of the Bulldog Brigade and Music Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Aneley has been of Service on campus by participating our Tier I #bulldogSTRONG meetings. Her input is vital to the team and ensures that the student voice is heard. I appreciate her willingness to be involved. For this reason and more, Aneley is #BulldogSTRONG. ” Jennifer Webb, Dean of Student Behaviors and Supports, Golden Valley High School
“Anely is an amazing example of a #BulldogStrong student. She goes the extra mile to make Golden Valley the kind, respectful, and welcoming campus that it is. She takes Pride in being a Bulldog and inspires others to embrace their abilities and lead. Anely is a great student who will do great things in our community.” Emmanuel Gomez, Head Counselor, Golden Valley High School