Fundraisers Shop at Bricks & Minifigs from Dec 11 - Dec 13. Show the QR code below during Checkout Dine at Dos Coyotes Border Cafe from Dec 1st to Dec 7th between 11:30am and 8pm With every purchase of a Gingerbread House, The Chocolate Dozen will give 20% of its proceeds to Cal High Music. Order through December 12th or while supplies last Concert Concessions Enjoy sweet treats from The Chocolate Dozen at our upcoming Winter Concerts! We’ll be featuring festive favorites including Gingerbread Cookies, Ube Furikake Chex Mix, and Peppermint Chocolate Cookies. Supplies are limited, so be sure to stop by the concession tables before the concert and during intermission to grab these popular treats while they last!

Google Calendar VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISERS Upcoming Events Join us in cheering on the Cal High Marching Grizzlies as they bring music, energy, and school spirit to every performance! From exciting halftime shows and spirited community parades to competitive field shows, our marching band never fails to impress. Each event showcases the hard work, dedication, and talent of our student performers. Don’t miss out, come support the Grizzlies and experience the magic for yourself! Be sure to check back regularly for performance dates, competition results, and special event updates throughout the season. Purchase Advance Tickets Purchase Advance Tickets Purchase Advance Tickets Tap calendar below for a downloadable .pdf. 📆 Access and subscribe to our Google Calendar .

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, 12/18 at 7pm in the Band Room. Attend in person or virtually via Google Meet. ❄️ Join Winter Percussion or Winter Guard . For more details visit our Winter Percussion Page or our Winter Guard Page 🎶 Join us for our Winter Concert Series . For ticket information and advance purchase visit our Linktree 🌮 Need dine out ideas? Visit Dos Coyotes Border Cafe from 12/01-12/07. 25% of your bill will be donated to Cal High Music. Come out and support our talented Chamber Orchestra group! Visit our Fundraising page for details. 🎄 Shop at Bricks & Minifigs from 12/11-12/13 for your holiday gift giving. 10% of proceeds will go back to Cal High Music when you show them our QR code. Visit our Fundraising page for the QR code. 📆 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

Instrumental Music Full Program Calendar SYNCING INSTRUCTIONS Our Google calendar above contains full program events, festivals, concerts, fundraisers, Booster meetings, etc. Everyone should add this calendar! To add the Instrumental Music Calendar to your calendar, use the "+" sign at bottom of calendar.

ENSEMBLES No matter your musical passion or skill level, there’s a place for you in one of our many ensembles! Whether you're drawn to the rich harmonies of concert band, the energy and excitement of marching band, the creativity of jazz ensemble, or the elegance of orchestra, each group offers a unique and rewarding experience. Join a community of dedicated musicians, grow your talents, and make lasting memories through performances, friendships, and musical excellence. Come find your sound and be part of something amazing! Marching Grizzlies The California High School Marching Ensemble is a top-tier performance group in the Tri-Valley area, known for its energy, musical skill, and strong tradition of excellence. As the largest ensemble at Cal High, they perform at football games, rallies, parades, and competitions throughout the Fall season. Their schedule includes regular rehearsals on Monday and Wednesday evenings, plus occasional Saturdays. Each year, the band typically participates in several field competitions, parades, and school events. Concert Bands Cal High offers three concert band classes that provide a structured pathway for musical growth at every level. From developing fundamental techniques to mastering advanced ensemble performance, each class is tailored to meet students where they are in their musical journey. Whether you're just building your skills or ready for the challenge of honors-level repertoire, there's a place for you in our band program. Orchestra Cal High offers two orchestra ensembles as part of its dynamic music program. The String Orchestra is open to students with at least one year of experience on a string instrument and performs at school concerts and events. The Chamber Orchestra is an advanced, audition-based ensemble that includes strings, winds, and percussion. This group performs more challenging repertoire and participates in concerts, fundraisers, and regional festivals. Jazz Band 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 such as blues, swing, and improvisation, with performances at school concerts and fundraisers. Jazz Ensemble is an audition-based advanced group that explores more complex jazz styles and theory, performing at school events and a spring festival. Winter Percussion Cal High Winter Percussion is a theatrical percussion ensemble known for its bold, high-energy performances and musical excellence. The group combines marching percussion, mallet instruments, and modern music to create powerful and emotionally engaging shows. Students build skills in rhythm, technique, and teamwork while preparing for 4–5 competitions each season. Rehearsals take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings, with some Saturday practices as well. Winter Guard 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

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 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

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.

New Member & Returning Member Orientation Meetings New Member Orientation 🗓️ Date: Thursday April 17, 2025 📍 Location: Cal High Theater ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM Returning Member Orientation 🗓️ Date: Thursday April 24, 2025 📍 Location: Cal HighBand Room ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM This orientation meeting will go over everything you need to know about the music program at Cal High. If you are interested in starting a new instrument 🎷, continuing the same instrument 🎺, or playing in a new ensemble 🎼, we will go over all of the necessary materials to help you get started. We will discuss all of the classes 🏛️ offered for the music program as well as auditions, prerequisites, calendar dates 🗓️, and volunteering opportunities.This will be a great opportunity to meet fellow members, our student leadership team, instructional staff, parents, and the executive booster board to learn more about our organization and ask any questions you may have. We are asking if you are going to be in the instrumental music program this coming year that you attend one of these meetings. If you are a new member you only need to come to the new member meeting. Thursday April 17, 2025. If you are a returning member you only need to come to the returning member meeting. Thursday April 24, 2025. This meeting is open to all students and parents.If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Bob Grigas, Director of Instrumental Music at CHS, at rgrigas@srvusd.net

Awards & Regalia Concert Attire program handbook Stores & Equipment program sign up Honor Bands Resources Want to stay organized and informed throughout the school year? Our collection of resource pages is your one-stop hub for everything you need to support your student’s success in the Cal High Instrumental Music Program. Start with the Store & Equipment page, where you’ll find links to required gear, spirit wear, and options for purchasing or borrowing instruments. The Music Handbook is essential reading - it outlines key policies, expectations, and procedures for all students involved in band, orchestra, and color guard. For students eager to grow musically and socially, don’t miss the Honor Bands page. These advanced ensembles offer students the chance to perform challenging music, build connections with talented peers across the region and beyond, and gain valuable experience for college scholarship auditions. Visit the Awards & Regalia section to learn about special recognitions available to our musicians, including “Varsity” Block Letters, Honor Cords, and Graduation Stoles that celebrate commitment and achievement. Our Concert Attire page provides dress requirements for each class and emphasizes the importance of a clean, polished, and professional appearance to reflect ensemble pride. Whether you’re new or returning, be sure to complete the Music Program Sign-Up Form to officially register for the upcoming season. These resource pages are designed to keep you informed, connected, and ready for an exciting and successful year in music!

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

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