About the Programs
Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble
Symphonic Band is a performance-based ensemble open to students who have prior experience on their instrument and the ability to read music. The ensemble consists of wind and brass instruments and percussion. Many styles of music are studied from classical to modern works. Study includes the care and cultivation of tone, building technique, responsible rehearsal habits, listening skills, and the ability to analyze and evaluate music and music performances. Several performances outside the school day may be required.
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
The Wind Ensemble is designed to extend the development of the serious music student. This class explores concert repertoire of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The ensemble performs frequently and may include travel to festivals. Rehearsals outside the class period may be required to prepare for concerts and festivals.
- Prerequisite: 10th-12th Grader, Satisfaction of Symphonic Band Course OR a Concert Band-equivalent course at a previous program if transferring, & by Audition Only.
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
New for the 2026-2027 School Year! Students who take a Band class for all 4 years of HS AND participate in Wind Ensemble their Senior year will receive "Honors Credit" and be enrolled in "Wind Ensemble 4H" for their continued participation in the music program.
String Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra
String Orchestra is open to all orchestral string musicians. The instrumentation of the ensemble consists of violin, viola, cello, and double-bass. A wide variety of literature is studied from early baroque to modern compositions. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, musicianship, building responsible rehearsal habits, and developing listening and music reading skills. This is a performance-oriented ensemble, and therefore, campus and community performances are required component of the class.
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
The Chamber Orchestra is designed to extend the development of the serious music student. This class explores concert repertoire of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The ensemble performs frequently and may include travel to festivals. Rehearsals outside the class period may be required to prepare for concerts and festivals.
- Prerequisite: 10th-12th Grader, Satisfaction of String Orchestra Course OR a String Orchestra-equivalent course at a previous program if transferring, & by Audition Only.
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
New for the 2026-2027 School Year! Students who take a Orchestra class for all 4 years of HS AND participate in Chamber Orchestra their Senior year will receive "Honors Credit" and be enrolled in "Chamber Orchestra 4H" for their continued participation in the music program.
Guitar Class (Level 1 & 2)
This course develops the knowledge of guitar techniques with an emphasis on learning to read music and developing the abilities to learn and understand the playing techniques used in playing the classical guitar.
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts
- CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
Jazz Band & Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Currently Jazz Club for '26-'27 Year)
This course extends the skills developed in Symphonic Band and adds jazz technique to the classically trained musician. Emphasis is placed in the areas of jazz history, theory, and performance. Students enrolled in Jazz Ensemble learn the fundamental aspects of jazz through the performance of standard literature from the 1920’s to the present. Students perform at two or more concerts and festivals per year. All performances are required. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in a school music ensemble or audition.
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU: Visual & Performing Arts (f); College Prep Electives (g)
Winter Activities Information
Winter Activities Informational Slides
