All Samohi concert band classes meet the college preparatory “A-G” subject requirements of the University of California and California State University systems in the visual and performing arts “F” category. The program currently comprises five fully instrumented concert bands, all of which present at least three concerts during the school year. Students are also encouraged to audition for local, state, and national honor bands and orchestras.
Auditions for Samohi concert bands are held each May, and the results are listed by student ID number on the home page. Our five bands are as follows:
- Period 1 Symphonic Winds (Level III) – Mr. Sakow
- Period 2 Wind Symphony (Level IV) – Mr. McKeown
- Period 3 Symphonic Band (Level II) – Mr. Sakow
- Period 4 Wind Ensemble (Level V) – Mr. McKeown
- Period 5 Concert Band (Level I) – Mr. Sakow
Concert Attire
For all band concerts, students must wear either a tuxedo (or black jacket and pants with white dress shirt and black bowtie) OR an approved concert black dress. Read more about concert attire here.
Tours
Over the years, the bands have been fortunate enough to go on several tours, playing in beautiful concert halls, seeing different parts of the country, and even traveling abroad to Ireland in 2023. Funds for band tour scholarships are raised at our annual Bands at the Broad benefit concert and silent auction, which happens every February.
Donations
The Concert Band program needs your financial support. The suggested donation is $250 per student for an entire year of Concert Band. (That’s only $25 per month of school.) This amount is merely a suggestion. We gratefully accept and acknowledge donations of any amount. Read more about where your donations go.
Please note: All students may participate in all aspects of the band program regardless of their ability to contribute. Please contact Band Director Kevin McKeown if you need financial assistance.