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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!

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

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

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.

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

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 – Event Center (aka Large Gym) 7th & 8th Grade Strings – Dress Rehearsal Time: 4:30–5:30 PM Location: California High School – Event Center (aka 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 – 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 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.