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/

Area Band Festival March 18 , 2026 🎶 Area Band Festival 🎶 📅 Wednesday, March 18, 2026 📍 California High School – Event Center (aka 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 – Event Center (aka Large Gym) 7th & 8th Grade Band 🕟 4:30–5:30 PM 📍 California High School – Event Center (aka 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

Program Handbook Concert Attire Equipment Auditions Orchestras Experience the power of live performance and musical excellence in Cal High’s dynamic orchestra program! California High School offers two orchestra classes - String Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. String Orchestra is open to students with at least one year of experience on a string instrument and performs at school concerts and fundraisers. Chamber Orchestra is an advanced, audition-based ensemble for strings, winds, and percussion, performing more challenging repertoire and participating in concerts, fundraisers, and regional festivals. STRING ORCHESTRA The String Orchestra is an intermediate-level ensemble. Students are recommended to have at least one year of playing experience on violin, viola, cello or bass to join this ensemble. The String Orchestra participates in all school concerts and program fundraisers. No prerequisites are required to sign up for this course. CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (AUDITION BASED) The Chamber Orchestra is an advanced, auditioned ensemble. String, winds and percussion students may audition for Chamber Orchestra at the end of the school year. This class covers advanced orchestral repertoire; students are encouraged to take private lessons if able. The Chamber Orchestra participates in all school concerts and program fundraisers as well as a CMEA or NCBA festival during the Spring. Note: Auditions for 2026-2027 school year is now closed. If you have any questions regarding the Orchestra Program please contact Lori Willis at lwillis@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)

Instrumental Music Marching Grizzlies Music Class Bundle Participant Contribution Support the Cal High Instrumental Music Program with a Tax-Deductible Donation Your generous contribution helps fund essential program needs including instruments, expert instruction, transportation, and valuable performance opportunities. If your employer offers company matching, we greatly appreciate your help in maximizing your impact. CHS Instrumental Music Boosters is a 501 (c3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID. 68-0077940 Thank you for supporting music education at Cal High! Ways to Contribute Choose the method that's easiest for you: Zelle Send using a QR Code (on the right). Refer to Zellpay for instructions on how to use Zelle QR Code. Use the following email: calhighbandboostertreasur@gmail.com Before submitting, leave a note indicating the following: For Marching Ensemble: ME - [Student First & Last Name] For Instrumental Music: IM - [Student First & Last Name] Check Payable to CHS Instrumental Music Boosters Leave a note indicating the following: For Marching Ensemble: ME - [Student First & Last Name] For Instrumental Music :IM - [Student First & Last Name] Drop off check in the Director's office lock box located in the band room FutureFund Donate online through the secure FutureFund system. Refer to links above or each section below. Enter your donation amount and student name. Participant Contribution During Registration The Instrumental Music page includes 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 (see details below). 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! Ways to Pay Choose the method that's easiest for you: Zelle Send using a QR Code (on the right). Refer to Zellpay for instructions on how to use Zelle QR Code. Use the following email: calhighbandboostertreasur@gmail.com Before submitting, leave a note indicating the following: For Marching Ensemble: ME - [Student First & Last Name] For Instrumental Music: IM - [Student First & Last Name] Check Payable to CHS Instrumental Music Boosters Leave a note indicating the following: For Marching Ensemble: ME - [Student First & Last Name] For Instrumental Music :IM - [Student First & Last Name] Drop off check in the Director's office lock box located in the band room FutureFund Donate online through the secure FutureFund system. Refer to links above or each section below. Enter your donation amount and student name. Instrumental Music Class - Option A Contributions to the Instrumental Music classes are essential for sustaining the Cal High Instrumental Music Program. The Cal High Instrumental Music program relies almost entirely on community donations and family contributions to operate as it receives little to no funding from the district or school. Every contribution iscrucial in meeting expenses associated with all our amazing music classes(including Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band,Wind Ensemble (Honors Band), Strings Orchestra, and ChamberOrchestra). Funding supports the purchase of music, maintenance of themusic library, repair and acquisition of instruments, upkeep of inventory,compensation for clinicians, entrance fees for music festivals, and generalrequirements such as music stands and other equipment necessary toensure a high-quality music education. OPTION A is intended for students who are enrolled only in a Cal High Music class (not the Marching Band program). Suggested contribution per student: $150. Donate Now Instrumental Music Class Donations are used to support the instrumental music classes throughout the school year. Donations are used to purchase music and maintain the music library, to purchase and repair instruments, to bring in classroom coaches and clinicians, and to support band related costs such as music stands and other equipment. Your donation is greatly appreciate and fully tax deductible. Recommended school year donation is $150 Donate Now Marching Ensemble - Option B The Marching Grizzlies is Cal High’s award-winning marching band and color guard! The Cal High Marching Grizzlies program relies entirely on community donations and family contributions to operate, as it receives no funding from the district or school. Your contribution helps cover costs like competition fees, transportation, music and drill writing, color guard and music equipment, uniforms, supplies, and hospitality during camp and competitions. Option B is intended for students who are enrolled only in the Marching Band or enrolled only in the Color Guard (not enrolled in a Music class). Your contribution to our program goes toward: Show Design: music and arrangements Clinicians and Consultants Drill Writers, Show Choreography Music: purchasing, printing, licensing Uniforms: cleaning, repairs, and replacing of uniforms and shoes, gloves, color guard show outfits Equipment: instrument purchases and repairs, props, flags, sabers, etc Competitions: entry fees, transportation, dinners U-Haul truck rentals Recommended donation for the school year is $900 Donate Now MARCHING GRIZZLIES & INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CLASSES (BUNDLE) - OPTION C Students who plan to participate in BOTH the Marching Grizzlies AND one or more of the Instrumental Music classes (e.g., Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble (Honors Band), Strings Orchestra, and/or Chamber Orchestra) should select this DISCOUNTED bundle. Option C is intended for students who are enrolled (i) in marching band or color guard AND (ii) in one or more Instrumental Music classes. Suggested Bundle Contribution per student: $925 ($800/Marching Grizzlies and $125/Music Class). INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC T-SHIRT: Every student who registers for one (or more) of the Cal High Instrumental music classes or programs will receive a Cal High Instrumental Music T-shirt for free. Exact design/style is still to be determined. Please select your student's T-shirt size. Recommended donation for the school year is $925 Donate Now Donate Now Marching Ensemble The Marching Ensemble Participant Contribution is essential to the success of the Marching Ensemble Program. Marching Ensemble is an extracurricular program primarily funded by the Cal High Instrumental Music Boosters (a not for profit organization), so all participants are asked to make a financial contribution to support our program. Your contribution to our program goes toward: Show Design: music and arrangements Clinicians and Consultants Drill Writers, Show Choreography Music: purchasing, printing, licensing Uniforms: cleaning, repairs, and replacing of uniforms and shoes, gloves, color guard show outfits Equipment: instrument purchases and repairs, props, flags, sabers, etc Competitions: entry fees, transportation, dinners U-Haul truck rentals Recommended donation for the school year is $900 Winter Percussion Participant Contribution The Winter Percussion Participant Contribution is essential to the success of the Marching Ensemble Program. Winter Percussion is an extracurricular program primarily funded by the Cal High Instrumental Music Boosters (a not for profit organization), so all participants are asked to make a financial contribution to support our program. Your contribution to our program goes toward: Show Design: music and arrangements Clinicians and Consultants Drill Writers, Show Choreography Music: purchasing, printing, licensing Uniforms: cleaning, repairs, and replacing of uniforms and shoes, gloves, color guard show outfits Equipment: instrument purchases and repairs, props, flags, sabers, etc Competitions: entry fees, transportation, dinners U-Haul truck rentals Recommended donation for the school year is $700 Donate Now Instrumental Music Boosters Donation Support the Sound of Cal High! This general donation is a powerful way for current Cal High families to directly support our Instrumental Music Program. Your contribution helps provide students with high-quality music education, essential equipment, performance opportunities, and lasting memories. Every dollar makes a difference in keeping our program strong, enriching, and accessible for all student musicians. Join us in investing in their passion and potential—thank you for your support! Donate Now

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 Concert Attire Equipment Auditions 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. Learn more about each ensemble below. CONCERT BAND Open to all students with prior experience on a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument or those exploring a second instrument, this class focuses on developing instrumental technique through a diverse range of wind band literature. Students will also explore music theory, historical and cultural context, and make meaningful connections to other academic disciplines, enriching both their musical and educational journey. SYMPHONIC BAND (AUDITION BASED) This class builds on intermediate and advanced instrumental techniques through the study of a wide range of challenging wind band literature. Students will engage in a deeper exploration of musical elements, historical and cultural context, and interdisciplinary connections. Incoming 9th graders with advanced experience are encouraged to audition. WIND ENSEMBLE (AUDITION BASED, HONORS BAND) This honors-level course is designed for advanced musicians looking to further develop their skills through the study of sophisticated wind ensemble literature. The class emphasizes advanced instrumental techniques and includes an in-depth exploration of musical elements, historical and cultural context, and interdisciplinary connections. Note: Note: Auditions for the 2026-2027 Symphonic & Wind Ensemble are now closed For more information about Concert 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

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

2026-2027 Wind and Jazz Auditions Auditions for the music program at Cal High are now available. Any student who plays an instrument and is interested in joining the music program is encouraged to audition. Auditions will be available for Wind Ensemble (Honors Band), Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble (Jazz A) and Jazz Band (Jazz B) Rhythm Section. This is a great opportunity to be part of a performing ensemble, build musicianship, and participate in concerts and events throughout the year. All information regarding audition dates, times, and requirements are in the google classrooms. Wind Band Audition google classroom code is: 6einh5yh Jazz Audition google classroom code is: sxpkigt All auditions need to be submitted to the google classroom by Thursday April 30th, 2026. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. G immediately at rgrigas@srvusd.net 2026-2027 Chamber Orchestra Auditions Please review these instructions in order to properly submit your audition video(s) for Chamber Orchestra. You may submit as many video files as needed, but please attach all of them to the same form. Your video(s) should show your face, hands and instrument while playing #1, #2 and #3 below: Here are the excerpts which should be prepared for your auditions: Violin: Academic Festival Overture - bars 1-24, 41-49, 63-85. 88-106 downbeat (Play top note if two notes are given.) Suggested tempo: half note = 60 bpm Viola : bars 1-40, 88-106 (Play top note if two notes are given.) Suggested tempo: half note = 60 bpm Cello : Academic Festival Overture - bars 1-40, 87-106 (Play top note if two notes are given.) Suggested tempo: half note = 60 bpm Bass : Academic Festival Overture - bars 1-40, 87-106 Suggested tempo: half note = 60 bpm Piano : Scherzo / Beethoven - bars 55-102 Suggested tempo is dotted quarter = 92 bpm Play up to 1 ½ minutes of a solo piece you have selected. Pianists may play up to 2 ½ minutes. 2 octave scale which has been selected for your instrument. Pianists may play the 2 octave scale of their choice with both hands. Submit your video(s) HERE . Link to scales and excerpts is HERE . Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:59pm. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Willis immediately at lwillis@srvusd.net

Fundraisers Volunteer Sponsorship Participant Contribution Support Us! There are many meaningful ways to support our Instrumental Music students, whether through a monetary donation, volunteering at events, joining our Booster Board, or purchasing spirit wear. Every contribution helps ensure our program continues to thrive. We’re committed to keeping costs manageable for families while maintaining the high standards that make our program such a valuable experience. Your support helps us provide exceptional opportunities, enrichment, and a vibrant musical community for our students and families. Thank you for being a vital part of our success!