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Band

Santa Barbara High School Band at USC

SBHS Instrumental Music Program Overview

Our music program is designed to give students a meaningful way to grow as musicians and as people. Through learning, performing, and exploring music, students gain skills that help them express themselves, connect with others, and better understand the world.

Students will:

  • Build strong performance skills on their instrument.

  • Develop music literacy—the ability to read, understand, and communicate through music.

  • Gain perspective by experiencing music in different settings and styles.

A key goal is to help students learn the common language of music, which allows them to play in any ensemble and work effectively with other musicians, producers, and scholars around the world.

To grow, students are expected to practice their instrument at least twice a day, focusing not just on technique, but on expressive playing.

Beyond the classroom, students will broaden their understanding through travel, competitions, guest speakers, and performances, all of which expose them to new ideas and perspectives.

Program Structure

All students in the instrumental program will:

  • Participate in Marching Band.

  • Take a content-specific class: Percussion, Concert Band, or Colorguard.

  • Have the opportunity to explore improvisation through our Advanced Jazz Ensemble.

This structure reflects our program’s philosophy: music is both a personal journey of growth and a collaborative art form that connects people across cultures and experiences.

Santa Barbara Music Foundation