Wind Symphonies

We offer 2 levels of bands at San Juan Hills HS. Both levels are UC A-G approved, and are considered the core music class for winds and percussion students. Students wishing to participate in performance only classes such as Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and Drumline must also be enrolled in one of these 2 core classes. We perform concert literature year-round, but we also offer a full curriculum that includes music theory, history, cultural implications of music, professional application, and all aspects in the state curriculum. This website will be updated throughout the year with pictures, rosters, upcoming events, etc., but for now, descriptions of the 2 classes are below:

Concert Band

Concert Band is the entry level core music experience for winds and percussion musicians. No auditions are required. There is a huge range of instrument proficiency represented in this group. The following describes most students who choose to be in concert band:

  • Freshmen at a typical development level

  • Developing 10th, 11th, 12th graders

  • Students who meet the requirements for Wind Ensemble, but play impacted instruments (usually flute, percussion, etc.)

  • Wind Ensemble members who want to learn a new instrument

  • Students learning an instrument for the first time

  • Students switching instruments

Every year is unique in terms of what level concert band may start with, what method books we use, and how we pace the curriculum. Typically, students should expect to spend 2 years in concert band. Those who play impacted instruments may spend more time, and students who play instruments in need may spend less time. We normally are short on tuba, oboe, french horn, and bassoon, so if a Freshmen class has 9 flutes and no french horns, a switch may be the clearest path to wind ensemble! Many students also stay in Concert Band for 4 years because of commitment level. For students who enjoy the band experience, but are involved in many other activities, they may not have the time to devote to the ensemble that’s expected in Wind Ensemble. That’s fine. Although Concert Band performs at all school concerts, they have less outside rehearsals and festivals outside of SJHHS. For students with concerns about conflicts, regardless of ability level, Concert Band is a great ensemble for them. Concert Band typically plays grade 2-4 music.

Wind Ensemble

Wind Ensemble is the top, auditioned band experience for winds and percussion musicians. Students choosing to audition for Wind Ensemble are also committing to a higher expectation of time commitment - both in practice expectations and performances. Students in Wind Ensemble are mostly Junior and Seniors, with a few Sophomores. For the most part, Freshmen start in concert band unless they show exceptional ability on an instrument in need. Wind Ensemble also combines with the Chamber Orchestra to create our Symphony Orchestra. The Wind Ensemble prepares both elite level band and orchestra works year-round, and typically perform literature grade 5+.