MEDIA INSTAGRAM Instrumental Program: @calhighmusic Color Guard: @calhighguard Percussion: @calhighpercussion Orchestra: @californiahighorchestras Music Boosters: @calhighmusicboosters FACEBOOK @calhighmusic YOUTUBE @CalHighMusic

Honor Ensembles Students who participate in honor bands are exposed to challenging music, incredible experiences, and they can help pave the way for success when preparing for college scholarship auditions. Honor bands are also great places to make new friends with students from around the community, state, or country. Below is a list of local and state honor bands. Many major universities offer honor band opportunities, so feel free to explore additional opportunities. All-State Honor EnsEmbleS These ensembles are sponsored by the California Band Directors Association (CBDA) and the California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA). All audition recordings and materials must be submitted by the CHS Music Director (TBD). Honor Band and Orchestra performances are held at the CASMEC conference in February. For more information, go to: Band: https://cbda.org/all-state-ensembles/auditions/ Orchestra: https://www.codaorchestras.org/high-school-all-state-orchestras/ Contra Costa County Honor Band Info for the CCCHB can be found at www.cccbda.org All Northern Honor Band The NCBA All Northern Honor Band is an exciting event for advanced music students to perform under the baton of highly respected music educators. The Honor Band performance takes place in Stockton typically around mid-January. The audition materials are the same for both CBDA and NCBA Honor Bands. Scales/etudes for honor bands as well as CAJ instrumental jazz materials are already posted on CBDA website. Honor Orchestra audition materials are posted on CODA website. For audition info, go to: https://www.ncbaonline.net/?page_id=176 National Honor Ensembles Music for All presents three positively life-changing honor ensemble experiences for the nation’s outstanding high school concert band, orchestra, and jazz musicians. As part of the Music for All National Festival, the honor ensembles provide a national stage and world-class learning and performance opportunities with distinguished conductors, artists, and master teachers. For audition info, please visit: https://festival.musicforall.org/honor-ensembles/

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 California High School Band Room 6:00-8:00 PM Our Instrument Petting Zoo event is a free workshop for students to learn more about each instrument and find out which is right for them! This is the perfect event to get your child ready to join Band and Orchestra! Instruments available to test: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Violin, Viola, and Cello! Representatives from Local Music Stores will be present to provide you with instrument purchase and rental information! Participating SRVUSD Schools: Montevideo, Twin Creeks, Bollinger Canyon, Walt Disney, Neil Armstrong, Country Club, Pine Valley, Iron Horse, Cal High

PROGRAM HANDBOOK Volunteer Signups Potluck Signup BAND CAMP At Band Camp, you'll spend a week bonding with your fellow bandmates in sections, working on technique and learning fun music. By the end of camp, you'll feel right at home with the Cal High Band! Camp activities will be monitored to ensure students are getting plenty of water breaks and time in the shade. The majority of camp will be outdoors, so it is very important that all students bring the proper items to have a successful and safe experience. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS: Be on time and prepared. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled rehearsal time. Be respectful of the equipment and the space you use. If you borrow an instrument from the school, treat it as you would your personal instrument. Help clean up all spaces at the end of rehearsal blocks. There will be time for fun and games, and time for focus and hard work. Be respectful toward your instructional staff. Have fun and be willing to meet new people! The people you meet at band camp may end up becoming your best friends! WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP: Hat and sunglasses Backpack Sunscreen Lunch A mechanical pencil and 3-ring binder with sheet protectors for all music/exercises (instrumentalists only, not guard) Rehearsal Water Jug (must be at least 32 oz; half-gallon recommended: Coleman 1-gallon Beverage Cooler Jug ) Flip Folders and Lyres (required for wind musicians, see Mr. G if you are unsure of which one to buy) Flip Folders Brass Lyres Woodwind Lyres Ear protection (required for drumline members), recommended: Vic Firth Regular High Fidelity Ear Plugs Wind players: Instrument in working condition, including mouthpiece/extra reeds. Shoe lace or string to hang dotbook around neck during rehearsal 3x5 spiral notebook for drill Color Guard: Please wear clothing you can stretch in. Your hair must be pulled back away from your face. No obtrusive jewelry. All members: Please keep in mind that you will be moving all day. Dress in comfortable athletic clothing and running shoes. No jeans. No sandals/flip flops. PARTICIPANT SAFETY We will be following the current state and district guidelines to ensure all members are safe and comfortable during our Camp. Any changes to district guidelines will be communicated to all families via email. 🎶 Band Camp Schedule 🎶 📅 August 4 – August 9, 2025. *Students will need to provide their own lunch* Monday Camp Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm Lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm * Drumline Practice: 8:00am – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Tuesday - Friday Camp Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm * Drumline Practice: 9:00am – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Saturday Camp Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm Lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm * Drumline Practice: 9:00am – 4:00pm Break: 4:00pm – 5:00pm Parent Preview: 5:00pm – 6:00pm Potluck Dinner: 6:00pm See Potluck SignUp to bring a dish

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Calendar of Events Booster Club Bylaws Become a Volunteer INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTER CLUB We are a dedicated non-profit organization made up of Band, Color Guard, and Orchestra families who share a passion for supporting music education at California High School. As boosters, we play a vital role in enriching the Cal High Instrumental Music program through fundraising efforts, coordinating volunteers, and assisting the Band Director with planning and executing events throughout the year. Any parent, guardian, or caretaker that has a student in the Instrumental Music Program is automatically considered a valued member of our supportive music community. Their involvement plays a vital role in enhancing the overall experience for all students, whether through volunteering, attending performances, participating in booster meetings, or contributing in other meaningful ways. We encourage all families to stay engaged, as their presence and support help foster a vibrant, inclusive, and successful program for our young musicians. We hold monthly meetings during the school year, beginning in August, where we share updates, discuss upcoming events, and collaborate on ways to strengthen our program. Attending these meetings is a great opportunity to stay informed, have your voice heard, and connect with other music families. Active participation in the Booster Club allows you to make a direct impact on your student’s experience, help shape memorable performances and trips, and be part of a supportive, music-loving community. BOOSTER CLUB MEETINGS Join us for our Booster Club meetings everyone is welcome! These gatherings are a great way to stay connected on the latest news about what's happening, share ideas, and support our incredible student musicians. Whether you're a new parent or a returning volunteer, your voice and energy make a difference. Come be part of the fun and help us make this year unforgettable! All parents of current students are encouraged to attend! SCHEDULE Join us for our Booster Club meetings, held on the third Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the Band Room. Attend in person or conveniently virtually, we’d love to see you there! Dates for 2025-2026 Booster Meetings (click on date for meeting notes): 0 8/21 , 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 12/18, 01/15, 02/19, 03/19, 04/16, 05/21 Virtual Link https://meet.google.com/dwo-sdhs-fyj 2025-2026 BOOSTER EXECUTIVE BOARD Vice President: Zenaida President: Julie Treasurer: Megan Secretary: Arti Fundraising: Kelly & Debora 2024-2025 BOOSTER CLUB COMMITTEE LEADS Hospitality - *Kads Lele - Lead, Varsha Govindani, Christian Mattei Volunteer Coordinator - Zenaida Abadam Newsletter Coordinator - Booster Executive Board Pit Boss - Jeremy Fogelman Transportation Coordinator - Bob Burlingame Prop Boss - Walt Rugani & Dan Rugani Spiritwear Coordinator - Arti Arora Webmaster - Kelly Cardinalli Photographer - Raju Bhupatiraju Elementary/Middle School Recruitment - Dan Rugani and Briana Berastain End of Season Banquet (Marching Ensemble) - Zenaida Abadam, Christine Helmer, Georgine Brenghause Open Chair Positions Grant Writer Alumni Coordinator

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)

May 13 - May 17th Spring Online Auction FLASH SALE!!! Click Here to Register & Bid FLASH SALE .... We have a few items left from our Spring Online Auction at great prices!!! The FLASH SALE will kick off on Monday, May 13th at noon and end on May 17th at noon. Act fast .... these items won't last!! DONATIONS Huge thanks to all of our AMAZING donors!!! Business Logos

Leadership Expectations Leadership Application Submit Audition Videos Student Leadership The Cal High Band Leadership Team is a vital part of our Instrumental Music program, playing a key role in supporting students and maintaining program expectations. Our leadership structure beginning with the Band Director and extending through the Drum Major and Section Leaders is essential to the success of both our band and guard. Student leaders are expected to take responsibility for their section’s preparedness at rehearsals, performances, and beyond, and also be responsible to their section by fostering a positive, high-level learning environment. To be eligible for a leadership position, students must be enrolled in Marching Band. Applications open near the end of the school year, and dedicated, responsible students are encouraged to apply. LEADERSHIP APPLICATION Students considering applying for leadership will need to fill out a Google Form application which includes a short answer essay section. (Google form will be posted in March) DRUM MAJOR AUDITION Those interested in the role of Drum Major will submit a conducting video audition in addition to filling out a Leadership Application. (Drum Major application requirements posted in March) Please email drum major audition videos to calhighmusic.auditions@gmail.com SELECTION PROCESS Leadership is chosen by the Band Director based on quality of application responses, audition performance (for drum majors), a student's yearly performance, and consultation with teachers, administrators, instructional staff and boosters. The Band Director may ask to sit down with applicants for an interview prior to selecting the leadership team. 2025-2026 Leadership Team Drum Majors Om Iyer & Yasasri Chintapalli Section Leaders Flutes: Cindy Li Reeds: Aathirai Arunkumar High Brass: Josh Mann Low Brass: Zailey Fogelman Battery Captain: Owen Burlingame Front Ensemble: Akshay Mahendran Color Guard Co Captains: Hannah Ly & Naomi Parsons Managers Equipment Manager: Kaleo Abadam Community Engagement Manager: Mercy Rajan Uniform Manager: Amiia Lyons Locker Manager: JD Cardinalli Librarians: Xiaolei Zhang & Kate Shu

About The Cal High Instrumental Music Program offers students life-changing, world-class experiences through the power of music. Open to all Cal High students, our program is built on a foundation of excellence, inclusion, and fun—helping students grow not only as musicians, but as confident, connected individuals. From inspiring concert performances to high-energy field shows and spirited parades, our students bring music, heart, and school spirit to everything they do. When you join the Cal High music program, you become part of a vibrant, welcoming community. Students collaborate, perform, and travel together—building lasting friendships and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re performing in a packed stadium with the Marching Grizzlies, captivating a concert hall audience, or competing in a jazz festival, you’ll be surrounded by teammates who push you to be your best. Our program celebrates every student’s growth, and we believe that when young people come together to create music, they create something truly magical. Students can explore a wide variety of instrumental music courses, including Marching Band & Color Guard, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, String Orchestra, Jazz Band, and audition-based groups such as Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. No matter your musical interest or experience level, there’s a place for you here. Guiding and supporting our students is a dedicated instructional team that brings both expertise and passion to every rehearsal and performance. Bob Grigas leads the program as the Instrumental Music Director, with Lori Willis serving as Orchestra and Choir Director, and Briana Berastain as Marching Ensemble Co-Director. Together, they foster a supportive and challenging environment where students can grow musically and personally. Our program is also backed by a committed Booster Club, made up of Band, Color Guard, and Orchestra families who believe deeply in the power of music education. The Boosters play a vital role in fundraising, organizing volunteers, and assisting the directors with event planning throughout the year. Every family with a student in the Cal High Instrumental Music Program is automatically a member and is encouraged to participate. Booster meetings are held monthly during the school year beginning in August. Come make music, make memories, and make lifelong friends at Cal High. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create.

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

PROGRAM HANDBOOK 2025-2026 REGISTRATION VOLUNTEER Register for 2025-2026 School Year Cal High’s Online Registration is OPEN! ALL California High School students (both returning and new!) should complete the California High School online registration process as soon as possible, and no later than August 14th. Registration is important for a variety of reasons – this is where parents can join PTSA and other parent groups on campus, where you will sign your student up for ASB, order PE clothes, purchase spirit wear, access the school directory, and provide financial support for your child’s classroom programs, especially the electives that receive little to no financial support from the district. As you progress through the online registration process, you will arrive at the Instrumental Music page, and it will include three contribution options based on the music program that your child is enrolled in – Option A Music Class only, Option B – Marching Grizzlies only, and Option C – a discounted bundle for students who are enrolled in both an Instrumental Music class and the Marching Grizzlies. Suggested donation amounts for each option have been calculated with the utmost care to ensure that Cal High’s Instrumental Music program can continue to operate and provide each student with a high-quality music education. We accept payment via installments/payment plans and corporate match. Instrumental Music payments can be made by credit card, check, or Zelle (please select “check” during checkout for Zelle). Your donation is sincerely appreciated and is fully tax deductible (Tax ID: 68-0077940) . If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Music Boosters President . Thank you! Donate to Cal High Instrumental Music! CURRENT CAL HIGH FAMILIES COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS