The San Rafael High School Music Department is considered to be among the elite programs in the state. We offer a great musical experience with and emphasis on performance, enjoyment of music, responsibility, commitment, cooperation, effort, and leadership. The various music ensembles we offer appear at concerts, sporting events, festivals, as well as community and civic events and add a great deal of color and life to the San Rafael community.

The music program provides students with the opportunity to become familiar with many different types of music, experience playing in various size ensembles, become part of the ensemble “team,” rehearse and eventually perform in front of parents, peers and the community. We offer a very ambitious concert schedule and also compete frequently in music festivals where we have received numerous superior ratings. We offer an elite program that is accessible and enjoyed by all students.

What SRHS Offers its students:

BEGINNING GUITAR:  The Beginning Guitar class is for students who wish to learn basic guitar playing and musicianship. Students in the class will learn to play chords and melodies, read music, tablature and chord notation. Songs and materials will be chosen from popular, folk, classical and contemporary music. The emphasis of the class will be on playing guitar but will also stress basic music skills. Students must take written and performance tests to pass the class. Reading music and past music experience is not necessary for admission. Instruments will be made available for classroom use.

SYMPHONIC BAND: Symphonic Band is a course designed for students who have had band experience at the Middle School level and for returning band students. The class offers a wide variety of music that includes classics, popular music, show themes and concert band literature. In addition, students work on scales, music skills and sight-reading. The emphasis of the class is on playing music, and advancing their skills so that they can move into the more advanced performing groups (Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Bands). It is the student’s responsibility to make practice time available.

WIND ENSEMBLE: The Wind Ensemble is an advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion-performing ensemble. This group prepares, studies, and performs appropriate literature for an advanced high school Wind Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble performs both publicly and at festivals. Attendance at all performances is mandatory as is participation in the San Rafael Pep Band, which plays at athletic events (Football/Basketball Games). Instruments are available based on need and availability.

STEEL PANS BEGINNING  & ADVANCED :  The Beginning Steel Pan class is open to all students. The Advanced class is open by recommendation of the instructor. The pan classes provide a nontraditional approach to music education and participation. The emphasis of the class is on performance, not music reading. Students will learn the major traditions of pan, classical and calypso as well as rock, pop, jazz and soca. Some students will play percussion instruments. Grades will be based on individual and group performance tests, work habits, attitude, and attendance. Instruments will be provided.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE: There are three jazz bands at San Rafael High School. Jazz Band I is the most advanced band. Members are selected by audition or the consent of the instructor. Jazz Band II is the next level and is composed of students that are advancing their musical skills. Jazz II members are accepted by audition or the consent of the instructor. Jazz Band III is made up of freshmen and students looking to develop their jazz skills. Jazz III members are accepted by audition. Because the bands participate in festivals and a variety of community functions, we look for students who are dedicated and like challenges. Attendance at all concerts and festivals is required. Instruments are available based on need and availability. It is the student’s responsibility to make practice time available.

ORCHESTRA: The Orchestra class is open to students who play string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. Students play music drawn from the vast classical repertoire for full orchestra and for smaller groups. Attendance at all concerts and festivals is required. Instruments are available based on need and availability. It is the student’s responsibility to make practice time available.

CHORUS: The Chorus is open to anyone who enjoys singing and likes working with a group. Students will be singing a wide range of music from the choral repertoire (classical, world music in foreign languages, jazz, pop, etc.). Students are not required to read music, students will be required to learn musical terms, concepts and the fundamentals of music reading. Chorus is open to students who play piano and wish to accompany the class. All chorus students are required to attend school concerts and festivals.

JAZZ CHORUS: Jazz Chorus is an exciting class for singers who have had music experience or are currently in another music organization. Members are selected by audition. Many performance opportunities are available for this group including festivals and concerts. Attendance at all concerts and festivals is required.