The official site for the California High School Instrumental Music Program. GO Band, GO Orchestra, GO Guard, GO GRIZZLIES! PASSION • EXCELLENCE • COMMITMENT Welcome to the California High School Instrumental Music Program! Our program has a proud tradition of excellence and school spirit, enriching campus life through music and community. Whether you're looking to grow as a musician, form lasting friendships, or create unforgettable memories, you'll find your place here. With a welcoming and inclusive environment, the Cal High Instrumental Music Program offers students a supportive space to thrive on and off the stage. 📢 ANNOUNCEMENTS 📆 Next Booster Meeting will be held on Thursday, 2/19 at 7pm in the Band Room. Attend in person or virtually via Google Meet. 🎼 Winter Events Tabla Lessons. Mondays starting 1/26. B Period and 4-5pm Winter Guard Competition - Fremont 2/28/26 1st Spring Concert - Jazz 3/10/26 Area Orchestra Festival 3/11/26 1st Spring Concert - Concert Bands 3/12/26 Winter Percussion Competition - Roseville 3/14/26 Cal High School Wind Ensemble & Contra Costa Wind Symphony 3/15/26 Area Band Festival 3/18/26 40th Annual Santa Cruz Jazz Festival 3/20/26 Winter Percussion Competition - Livermore 3/21/26 NCPA Winter Percussion Competition - Union City 3/28/26 Winter Guard Championships - San Jose 3/28/26 📆 For a complete schedule of events , visit our Events page GOLD SPONSORS 🪧 Get Your Company Name or Logo Here SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS 🪧 Get Your Company Name or Logo Here GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS

Area Band Festival March 18 , 2026 🎶 Area Band Festival 🎶 📅 Wednesday, March 18, 2026 📍 California High School – Large Gym 🕖 Concert begins at 7:00 PM Join us for an inspiring evening of music as student musicians from across our local schools come together for the Area Band Festival — a celebration of dedication, growth, and the shared journey of learning an instrument. From first notes to confident performances, this concert highlights every stage of the musical path and showcases the incredible work of our young performers and directors who guide them along the way. Featuring Performances By Elementary Schools Bollinger Canyon Country Club Golden View John Baldwin Montevideo Neil Armstrong Twin Creeks Walt Disney Middle Schools Iron Horse Pine Valley High School California High School 🎶 A Celebration of Music & Community 🎶 From first notes to polished performances, the Area Band Festival highlights the collaborative spirit of our elementary, middle, and high school music programs. Our dedicated music educators are proud to share the results of months of hard work, growth, and commitment from their students. Families, friends, and community members are warmly invited to enjoy an evening of beautiful music while supporting our young musicians and the journey they are just beginning. 🎶 Student Performer Information 📅 Wednesday, March 18, 2026 To help ensure a smooth and successful performance day, please review the rehearsal and arrival details below. 🎺 Dress Rehearsal Schedule Elementary Band 🕗 8:00–10:00 AM 📍 California High School – Band Room 🚗 Drop-off: Front of the Music Building 6th Grade Band 🕞 3:30–4:30 PM 📍 California High School – Large Gym 7th & 8th Grade Band 🕟 4:30–5:30 PM 📍 California High School – Large Gym 🎼 Evening Concert Call Time (All Performers) 🕡 6:30 PM 📍 Check-In Location: Music Building Please check in and drop off instrument cases upon arrival. 👔 Attire & Materials Please refer to your director’s instructions for concert attire and any required materials to bring. Rehearsal/Performance Map

Area Strings Festival March 11, 2026 🎻 Student Performer Information Wednesday, March 11, 2026 To help ensure a smooth and successful performance day, please review the rehearsal and arrival details below. Elementary Strings – Dress Rehearsal Time: 8:00–10:00 AM Location: California High School – Band Room Drop-Off: Please drop students off in front of the Music Building 6th Grade Strings – Dress Rehearsal Time: 3:30–4:30 PM Location: California High School – Large Gym 7th & 8th Grade Strings – Dress Rehearsal Time: 4:30–5:30 PM Location: California High School – Large Gym 🎼 Call Time for All Performers Time: 6:30 PM Check-In Location: Music Building Please check in and drop off instrument cases upon arrival. Refer to your director's instructions for details on concert attire and what to bring. Rehearsal/Performance Map 🎻 Area Strings Festival Wednesday, March 11, 2026 California High School – Large Gym Concert Begins at 7:00 PM Join us for an inspiring evening of music as student musicians from across our local schools come together for the Area Strings Festival. This special concert celebrates the dedication, growth, and talent of young string players at every stage of their musical journey. Featuring Performances By Elementary Schools Bollinger Canyon Country Club Golden View John Baldwin Montevideo Neil Armstrong Twin Creeks Walt Disney Middle Schools Iron Horse Pine Valley High School California High School A Celebration of Music & Community From first notes to polished performances, the Area Strings Festival showcases the collaborative spirit of our elementary, middle, and high school music programs. Our passionate music educators are proud to share the results of months of hard work and commitment from their students. 🎶 Families, friends, and community members are warmly invited to enjoy an evening filled with beautiful music and support our young musicians.

PROGRAM HANDBOOK interest form REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Winter Percussion Cal High Winter Percussion is an award winning dynamic theatrical percussion ensemble renowned for its bold performances and musical excellence. After a 6 year hiatus, in Winter of 2025, Cal High transformed the stage into an immersive soundscape combining marching percussion, mallet instruments, and contemporary music to create electrifying shows that resonate with powerful precision and emotional depth. Under expert instruction, student members hone their skills in rhythm, technique, and ensemble artistry, developing not only musicality, but also teamwork, discipline, and creative expression. With a proud tradition of competition and a supportive community of peers, families, and school spirit, Cal High Winter Percussion inspires both performers and audiences alike every season. Winter Percussion rehearses during the Winter on Monday and Wednesday evenings, as well as some Saturday mornings and afternoons. The band typically competes in 4-5 field competitions. Indoor percussion is the winter-season equivalent of marching band, but performed on a basketball court instead of a football field. While the setting changes, the overall structure, teamwork, and performance experience remain very similar. An indoor percussion ensemble is typically made up of two main sections: Drumline (battery) Front ensemble (pit) Some shows may also incorporate additional elements such as winds, strings, non-percussion instruments, or a visual ensemble. Because each production is uniquely designed, the show concept and the number of participating members can influence the exact ensemble makeup. For example, in the 2025 season, our group featured two cymbal players who also performed a brass duet as part of the show design. Awards 1st Place - 2025 NCBA Scholastic Regional A: Granada Winter Show 1st Place - 2025 NCBA Scholastic Regional A: Foothill Winter Show 2nd Place - 2025 NCBA Scholastic Regional A: Winter Championships DRUMLINE Snare, Tenor & Bass Drums, Cymbals Drumline is a high-energy performance ensemble made up of battery and front ensemble percussionists. The battery section features snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums and cymbals, providing the driving rhythm and visual impact in field shows, parades, and school spirit events. As a core part of the marching band, the drumline develops students’ musical and technical skills through regular rehearsals, performances, and competitions. Open to all percussionists, it offers a dynamic team experience that builds coordination, discipline, and school pride. FRONT ENSEMBLE Mallet Keyboard and Auxiliary Percussion Front Ensemble is an essential part of the marching band, featuring mallet keyboard instruments such as marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone, along with a wide range of auxiliary percussion including cymbals, tambourines, concert bass drum, and more. Positioned at the front of the field, this group adds depth, texture, and melodic elements to the overall performance. Students in the front ensemble develop strong musicianship, coordination, and ensemble skills while contributing to dynamic field shows and competitions. HORNLINE Woodwind and Brass Instruments Hornline is the core melodic and harmonic section of the marching band, made up of woodwind instruments such as flutes, clarinets, and saxophones, and brass instruments including trumpets, mellophones, trombones, baritones, and tubas. This powerful ensemble brings energy and expression to field shows, parades, and school performances. Hornline members build strong fundamentals in tone, technique, and teamwork while performing challenging and exciting music throughout the season. Course description can be found in the handbook and UC/CSU admissions info can be found on the district website . For more information about Winter Percussion, contact the Band Director Mr. Grigas at rgrigas@srvusd.net

Program Handbook interest form Rehearsal schedule WINTER GUARD Winter guard is an indoor pageantry sport rooted in traditional military and veterans’ ceremonies that has evolved into a vibrant performing art blending choreographed dance, expressive movement, acting, and equipment work with flags, mock rifles, sabres, and a variety of props. Unlike traditional color guard, winter guard takes place entirely indoors, typically in a gymnasium or arena and is performed to recorded music rather than a live ensemble. Teams compete at local, state, and national levels, and the activity continues to grow in schools and independent organizations across the country. No prior dance or color guard experience is required; while having at least one year of experience can be helpful, any student who is committed, willing to learn, and ready to work hard will find a place on our team. Season Schedule Special Dates: Parent Meeting:11/17 from 6-8pm Audition/Clinic: 12/10 from 5pm-9pm Staging weekend: Saturday, January 3rd and Sunday, January 4th (12-4pm) Unless otherwise communicated, students MUST come to staging days so they have their place in the show written Official Rehearsals: 1/7 - 3/30: Mondays & Wednesdays 5-9pm 1/17, 2/21, 3/7, 3/21: Saturday 12-4pm No rehearsals on Martin Luther King Jr day (1/19) or President’s day (2/16) Competitions: Times will be announced. Students must have private transportation/carpool 01/24: James Logan High School, Union City (CCGC Evaluations) 02/07: Independence High School, San Jose 02/14: James Logan High School, Union City 02/28: Fremont High School, Fremont 03/28: Independence High School, San Jose (Championships)

Program Handbook Concert Attire Equipment Auditions Jazz Bands Cal High offers two jazz performance classes for student musicians. Jazz Band is open to all students with at least one year of experience and focuses on styles like blues, swing, and improvisation, performing at school concerts and fundraisers. Jazz Ensemble is an advanced, audition-based group that explores challenging jazz styles and theory, performing at school events and a spring festival. For more information, read details for each class below. JAZZ BAND (JAZZ B) The Jazz Band is a class open to all musicians wishing to learn about and improve upon various jazz styles, including the blues, swing, and improvisation. Students are recommended to have at least one year of playing experience on a wind or rhythm section instrument. The Jazz Band participates in all school concerts and program fundraisers. JAZZ ENSEMBLE (JAZZ A - AUDITION BASED) The Jazz Ensemble is an advanced, auditioned ensemble comprised of saxophones, trumpets, trombone, and rhythm section instruments. Students may audition for Jazz Ensemble at the end of the school year. This class covers advanced jazz repertoire in various styles including Latin, Swing, and Rock/Funk, as well as jazz music theory concepts. The Jazz Ensemble participates in all school concerts and program fundraisers as well as a CMEA or NCBA festival during the Spring. Note: Auditions for Jazz Ensemble is now closed for the 2025-2026 school year. Information for the following year will be published in the Spring. Equipment, Attire & Auditions: Stores & Equipment Concert Attire Auditions For more information about Jazz Bands, contact the Band Director Mr. Grigas at rgrigas@srvusd.net

Concert Attire The following is a list of required concert attire for each class. Clothing should be clean, wrinkle-free, and worn with pride to reflect the professionalism of our ensemble. Students are expected to be well-groomed for all performances, with no excessive jewelry or makeup, to maintain a polished and unified appearance. String Orchestra Option 1 - Black shoes, black socks, black slacks, white button up, black tuxedo coat, and a black bow tie. Option 2 - A black floor length dress with capped sleeves or ¾ sleeves and a modest neckline, or black dress that covers the knees (no strapless or spaghetti straps) and black shoes. Concernt, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble Concerts and Festivals Option 1 - Black shoes, black socks, black slacks, white button up, black tuxedo coat, and a black bow tie. Option 2 - A black floor length dress with capped sleeves or ¾ sleeves and a modest neckline, or black dress that covers the knees (no strapless or spaghetti straps) and black shoes. Click the links below for examples of the concert attire. Parents/Guardians DO NOT have to order from these sites. Concert Suit for Men Concert Black Suit for Ladies Concert Dress for Ladies Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble performances and Festivals Option 1 - Black shoes, black socks, black slacks, white button up, black coat, NO ties or hats. Option 2 - A black floor length dress with capped sleeves or ¾ sleeves and a modest neckline, or black dress that covers the knees (no strapless or spaghetti straps) and black shoes.

BE PART OF THE TRADITION Program Handbook BAND CAMP Rehearsal Schedule Cal High Marching Grizzlies Continuing a proud tradition of excellence, the California High School Marching Ensemble stands as one of the premier marching units in the Tri-Valley area. As the largest performance group at Cal High, the ensemble is known for its spirited performances, musical precision, and history of competitive success. You can catch them energizing the crowd at football games, lighting up school rallies, bringing joy to local parades, and showcasing their talent at field competitions throughout the year. The Marching Ensemble rehearses during the Fall on Monday and Wednesday evenings, as well as some Saturday mornings and afternoons. The band typically competes in 4-5 field competitions, marches 1-2 parades, and performs at rallies and home football games. Awards 1st Place Overall - 2024 NCBA 4A Division: Liberty Field Show 2nd Place Colorguard - 2024 NCBA 4A Div: Liberty Field Show 2nd Place Percussion - 2024 NCBA 4A Div: Liberty Field Show 2nd Place Colorguard - 2024 NCBA 4A Div: Foothill Band Review 1st Place Field - 2024 NCBA 4A Div: Lodi Grape Bowl Classic 3rd Place Percussion - 2024 NCBA 4A Div: Lodi Grape Bowl Classic 1st Place General Effect - 2023 NCBA 2A Div Liberty Band Review 1st Place Overall - 2023 NCBA 2A Div Liberty Band Review 1st Place Field - 2023 NCBA 2A Div Foothill Band Review 1st Place Percussion - 2023 NCBA 2A Div Foothill Band Review 2nd Place Brass - 2023 NCBA 2A Div Foothill Band Review 3rd Place Woodwinds - 2023 NCBA 2A Div Foothill Band Review 3rd Place Colorguard - 2023 NCBA 2A Div Foothill Band Review 1st Place Field - 2023 NCBA 2A Div: Lodi Grape Bowl Classic DRUMLINE Snare, Tenor & Bass Drums Drumline is a high-energy performance ensemble made up of battery and front ensemble percussionists. The battery section features snare drums, tenor drums, and bass drums, providing the driving rhythm and visual impact in field shows, parades, and school spirit events. As a core part of the marching band, the drumline develops students’ musical and technical skills through regular rehearsals, performances, and competitions. Open to all percussionists, it offers a dynamic team experience that builds coordination, discipline, and school pride. HORNLINE Woodwind and Brass Instruments Hornline is the core melodic and harmonic section of the marching band, made up of woodwind instruments such as flutes, clarinets, and saxophones, and brass instruments including trumpets, mellophones, trombones, baritones, and tubas. This powerful ensemble brings energy and expression to field shows, parades, and school performances. Hornline members build strong fundamentals in tone, technique, and teamwork while performing challenging and exciting music throughout the season. FRONT ENSEMBLE Mallet Keyboard and Auxiliary Percussion Front Ensemble is an essential part of the marching band, featuring mallet keyboard instruments such as marimba, vibraphone, and xylophone, along with a wide range of auxiliary percussion including cymbals, tambourines, concert bass drum, and more. Positioned at the front of the field, this group adds depth, texture, and melodic elements to the overall performance. Students in the front ensemble develop strong musicianship, coordination, and ensemble skills while contributing to dynamic field shows and competitions. COLOR GUARD Dance & Spin Flags, Sabers and Rifles Color Guard adds visual artistry and impact to the marching band through a vibrant blend of dance and precision equipment work. Members learn to spin flags, sabers, and rifles, combining movement and choreography to bring music to life on the field. Performing in all field shows, parades, and competitions, the color guard enhances the overall performance with energy, expression, and creativity. No prior experience is required, just a passion for performance and a willingness to learn. Course description can be found in the handbook and UC/CSU admissions info can be found on the district website . For more information about the Marching Grizzlies, contact the Band Director Mr. Grigas at rgrigas@srvusd.net

We are the California HS Music Mentorship Program! Winter guard is an indoor color pageantry sport with its roots in military and veterans organizations ceremonies. Modern winter guard incorporates choreographed dance, acting, flags, and non-functioning rifles and sabres, along with other props. Unlike traditional color guard, winter guard is performed indoors, usually in a gymnasium or an indoor arena. Performances make use of recorded music rather than a live band or orchestra. Winter guards compete in local, state, and national circuits and is a growing activity in schools and independent organizations throughout the country! Do I need dance or color guard experience? No experience is necessary! While it is always beneficial for members have at least one year of color guard or dance experience, if a student is willing and committed to working hard, they will find a place on our team!

REMIND Text Communication What is REMIND and why is it safe? REMIND is a text messaging system that the Cal High Instrumental Music program utilizes to facilitate effective program communication. It is a great way to receive notifications from the Band Director about important events and updates. Two-Way communication is used during trips and events for emergency situations. With REMIND, all personal information remains completely confidential. Sign Up for REMIND! Parents & Students: Please send the text message (for the appropriate group) to the number listed below. Note: Marching Band is separated by the graduation year. You may be prompted to enter your first and last name. Do NOT use nicknames. Remember to capitalize the first letter of each. Example: Jason Rodgers MARCHING BAND & COLOR GUARD (Students & Parents): Class of 2022, text the code @mbcg22 to the number 81010 Class of 2023, text the code @mbcg23 to the number 81010 Class of 2024, text the code @mbcg24 to the number 81010 Class of 2025, text the code @mbcg25 to the number 81010 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS (Parents only): Text the code @boostcal to the number 81010 CLASS ENSEMBLES (Students only): Symphonic Band, text the code @symphcal to the number 81010 Wind Ensemble, text the code @windcal to the number 81010 Jazz Band, text the code @jazzbcal to the number 81010 Jazz Ensemble, text the code @jazzencal to the number 81010 Getting Here

Volunteer Requirements Volunteer Sign Up Be a Mentor Portal Volunteer with Cal High Music! Volunteers are the heart of our program, supporting everything from fundraising and moving equipment to fitting uniforms, cooking, serving, organizing rosters, arranging travel, and helping run festivals. No matter where your student’s passion lies—Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Orchestras, Winter programs, or the Marching Ensemble—there are countless ways for you to get involved. Your time and support help create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for our students during their years at Cal High! Volunteer Requirements In alignment with California State Assembly Bill 506, effective July 1, 2025, all SRVUSD volunteers will be required to complete a Livescan fingerprint background check as well as mandated reporter and sexual harassment prevention training to be eligible to volunteer for the 2025-26 school year. For more information on details and information on how to begin the process, links can be found above. Process for New School Volunteers (PDF) Log in to the Be A Mentor volunteer management system. Choose a volunteer level. You may choose Level One (no driving) or Level Two (with driving). Complete Livescan and TB requirements. Upload appropriate documents. Complete the Mandated Reporter training annually and the Sexual Harassment Prevention training every two (2) years. For Level 2 only: upload DMV driving record. Current School Volunteers Review the Volunteer Handbook and FAQ for more information on clearance requirements, how to change/add schools, or volunteer activities Discounted Fingerprinting & Reimbursement Cal High Music Boosters is excited to partner with Postal Annex - your go-to spot for Fingerprinting and LiveScan services! This collaboration helps make the volunteer process easier and more affordable for our music families. With convenient service and a special discount exclusively for Cal High Music volunteers, getting cleared to support our students has never been simpler. We're grateful to Postal Annex for supporting our program and helping us build a safe and vibrant community for all. As part of this partnership, volunteers can receive a discounted LiveScan fee and may also qualify for reimbursement of the rolling fee. Here's how: Discounted LiveScan is available only at Postal Annex, 9110 Alcosta Blvd, Ste H, San Ramon. (See location hours and contact info below.) Be sure to mention "Cal High Music" when requesting your LiveScan service. Music volunteers who sign up and help at 4 or more Fall 2025 Marching Grizzlies events can submit a reimbursement request at the end of the season (around November 2025). To be eligible for reimbursement, please include a copy of your LiveScan receipt with your request.

Frequently Asked Questions How do I join Band or Color Guard? Visit the JOIN! page to find information on how to join any of our ensembles as well as how to sign up for Band Camp. The Marching Band and Color Guard season begins with Band Camp in early August. Families are encouraged to sign up for Band Camp by July so that you are added to the Fall season roster. Is Band Camp mandatory? All students planning on participating in our Fall Marching Band and Color Guard unit are expected to attend our BAND CAMP at the beginning of August. If an unavoidable conflict arises where a student cannot make this event, they must contact the band director to be put on the roster so that they do not fall behind. Does Marching Band count towards Physical Education credit? Yes! Students need 2 years of P.E. and are required to complete one of those years as a Freshmen. Two seasons of Marching Band will count toward the second year of P.E. Are students required to be in the marching band if they are enrolled in an instrumental class? Students enrolled in any band class are strongly encouraged to attend Band Camp in August. Besides being one of the most popular performing groups on campus, marching band is a great opportunity to make friends and improve your skills dramatically by learning from our incredible instructional staff. Our Fall marching season runs from August through mid-November. Is it safe to play together on campus yet? Yes, instrumental ensembles in the SRVUSD have been meeting in person for safe outdoor rehearsals. All decisions made regarding student safety will be made with district and administrative approval. As safety guidelines change, we will continue to monitor all CDC, state, county and district guidance and regulations as we create performer protocols for students to return to in-person playing for the coming school year. What costs are associated with joining the music program? All students participating in an instrumental music ensemble are asked to submit a Fair Share Participant Contribution. Details on Participant Contribution amounts are covered at the Band Camp parent meeting, during classes, and during Back to School Night at the start of the year. You can find info on our PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTION page. All payments are made via Cal High’s FutureFund registration system. Can I join Band as a Sophomore/ Junior/ Senior? Yes! It is never too late to join any of our ensembles! Do I have to audition to join an instrumental ensemble? Students do not need to audition to join Marching Band & Color Guard, Symphonic Band, Orchestra or Winter Guard/Percussion. Advanced ensembles such as Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble do require an audition. As an incoming Freshman, can I audition to be placed in an advanced ensemble? Incoming students are allowed to audition for advanced ensembles, but this is decided mainly based on instrumentation need. Freshmen musicians should expect to be enrolled in an entry-level ensemble. Can I join Band if I don't play an instrument? Yes! We encourage any student interested in learning a new wind or percussion instrument to sign up for Symphonic Band and Marching Band! Can students check out instruments from the school? Large wind instruments (tuba, trombone, baritone, bass clarinet, tenor/bari sax) are available for check out. We have some smaller instruments available for check out (flutes, clarinets, trumpets, alto saxophones) on a very limited basis. String instruments are available on a limited basis. Families will need to fill out an instrument rental agreement form to use a school-owned instrument. As a parent, how can I get involved? All parents are encouraged to participate in our Cal High Instrumental Music Booster club! There are many positions and committees to serve on, including equipment road crew, hospitality, spirit wear, social media, photographer/videographer, and helping with various events throughout the year! Go to our VOLUNTEER page to learn more! How long is the marching band season? Does marching band go all year? Our Marching Band season lasts from Band Camp (beginning of August) through mid-November. See our Marching Band and Color Guard Rehearsal Schedule on our MARCHING BAND page What is the time commitment for Marching Band rehearsals? The Cal High Marching Band and Color Guard meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings during the Fall, as well as some Saturday afternoon/evenings. The Marching Band performs at all Friday home football games as well as 4-5 Saturday field competitions and a few parades and rallies in the Fall. Can a student join marching band and also participate in sports or other extra-curricular activities? Yes! Our Marching Band and Color Guard students are involved in many sports and clubs! The Band Director meets with coaches to create a conflict schedule so that Band/Sports students always know where they need to be on a given day. Do ensembles participate in Spring performance tours? Our advanced ensembles have the opportunity to participate in a Spring Performance Tour. These trips are dependent on amount of student sign-ups and ensemble fundraising. Where can families go to learn about upcoming music events? Go to the EVENTS page. We will also share event updates via our Facebook and Instagram accounts, and we send out a regular Instrumental Music newsletter to enrolled families.