About Warren Band
Our Band Director
Mr. Mario Castro is the Director of Bands for Warren High School. He began his marching band career when attending Huntington Park High School. During his senior year he marched Gold Drum and Bugle Corp. After graduating Mr. Castro marched Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets in 2010 and then Santa Clara Vanguard from 2011 until his age out in 2014. In 2015, he was invited to perform with Santa Clara Vanguard International where he traveled to and performed in Taiwan.
Mr. Castro received his Bachelor’s of Music in Education from Cal State University Los Angeles in 2015. During his time at the university, he played trombone and euphonium in many different ensembles to include, University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Afro-Latin ensemble, Mariachi Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble. Mr. Castro returned to Cal State University Los Angeles in 2016 to earn a Masters in Music and his California Teaching Credential.
As an educator, Mr. Castro previously taught in Lynwood Unified School District. He began teaching at Lynwood High School. He transferred to Lynwood Middle School where he was named Teacher of the Year, and lastly transferred to Vista High School.
In 2017 he enlisted the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast and has been a member ever since. In the Air Force National Guard, Mr Castro serves as the Director of Recruiting for the Band with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He has traveled around the United States performing for the public, military and civilian dignitaries, and foreign ambassadors.
Mr. Castro lives in the city of Monterey Park with his wife and two kids. He loves spending time with his family, playing basketball, and going to the cinema.
Having been the beneficiary of many great teachers, Mr. Castro is inspired to give back to another generation of aspiring musicians and is excited to create performance experiences for his students. He teaches instrumental music at Warren High School to include: Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band.
Mr. Mario Castro
Our Mission
The Warren Instrumental Music Department seeks to use music to develop students of character and competence in an environment of Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence.
The Warren Instrumental Music Department provides students the ability to flourish in an environment that supports musical excellence
and artistic integrity. Warren Band and Colorguard students experience a unique blend of academic rigor, experiential learning, and personal support. The inherent confidence that springs from such an education results in relevant and meaningful performance and service opportunities.
The Instrumental music department is under the direction of Mr. Eric Villalobos
Our Vision
The Warren Band and Color Guard constantly aims to be on the cutting edge of the marching arts, striving to set the highest standards and always seeking recognition as one of Southern California’s hardest working scholastic programs.
Core Values
The Warren Band and Color Guard proudly supports, honors and encourages the Six Pillars of Character: Caring, Trustworthiness, Respect, Citizenship, Responsibility, and Fairness.
Within those traits we emphasize specific traits:
Self discipline, dedication, passion, commitment, integrity, upholding our rules/procedures, loyalty, cooperation, dependable, do what you say, and good sportsmanship. We also emphasize that our students, staff and parents maintain a professional environment.