SAN MATEO HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC
  • Home
  • Instrumental Ensembles
    • New Student Info
    • Chamber Orchestra
    • Concert Band
    • Jazz Ensemble
    • Marching Band
    • Symphonic Band
    • Pep Band
  • Choir
    • Concert Choir
    • Chamber Singers
  • Guard
  • Directors
    • Mr. Rathbone
    • Mr. Reifschneider
    • April Pietsch
  • Calendar
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
  • Booster Info

For incoming/prospective Fall '25 students

Hello Instrumentalists,

Welcome to the San Mateo Music world.  I am Mr. Rathbone and teach the various instrumental groups here at San Mateo High School.  We have several options available for students to participate in the San Mateo Instrumental Music Programs. 

1) Concert Band: 9-12, no audition is needed.  This is for all students in their first year of playing a wind or percussion instrument, or if you last played your instrument over 1 year ago. 
2) Symphonic Band: 9-12 (Any student that has taken Concert Band is automatically placed here).  Any 8th graders that have a recommendation from their Band director can be placed here as well. 
3)  Marching Band: 9-12, no Audition needed.  This class meets in the zero period in the morning from 7:30-8:20.  This is for all students playing wind and percussion instruments as well as any student interested in participating in Color/Winter Guard.  Any wind or percussion student in their first year with the Marching Band are expected to also sign up for either Concert or Symphonic Band as well to develop their High School Playing ability.  Be aware there will be some weekend performance requirements as part of this ensemble. 
4) String Orchestra: 9-12, no audition needed.  For all students who play traditional string orchestra instruments (violin, viola, cello, string bass). 
For Students interested in Jazz, we currently have:
1) Jazz Band: 9-12, Audition is required.  This class is for students who wish to focus on the Jazz aspect of wind band performing.  Be aware there will be some weekend performance requirements as part of this ensemble.
a. Audition requirements:
i. Auditions should be submitted via video recordings, using the chromebooks provided by your school. 
ii. Upload the video recording of yourself to your google drive and then share the file with Mr. Rathbone at: [email protected]
iii. All videos should be submitted by March 24th. 
iv. Class Roster will be announced by March 28th. 
b. Audition Recordings:  Students should make a video recording of themselves performing the following material. 
 i. All instruments except Drum Set: Bb, Eb, and F scales: Major, minor, Blues. 
 ii.  All instrumentalists: Follow the link with your instrument to pull down the appropriate PDF.  Record yourself playing the piece along with this backing track; https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BRB2ctaYkWAXNld9exssksMq18L8p7qr/view?usp=sharing

1. Autumn Parts:
a. Alto/Bari Saxophone https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kpZE9SFN8YqFq3Zs4qDBObL06vjpBtYD/view?usp=sharing
b. Tenor Saxophone
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ONB4ZkEboVgDtMgzLtqQZMCvsu5gga7/view?usp=sharing

c. Trumpets https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WWekV5yPPP6kKwD2g9CnRpRClfm4N9tR/view?usp=sharing
d. Trombones https://drive.google.com/file/d/17FoZj6OlB-f18cy-Wv8JaijW3bDmfBCZ/view?usp=sharing
e. Guitar https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cudNiMiurByR23MhVPHaFF50v2G1us5H/view?usp=sharing
f. Bass https://drive.google.com/file/d/120rQIdU_wPlObSzn3Aekv-KB1p-JwKrK/view?usp=sharing
g. Piano https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JcvCCC4HjBk9dZu9mlBpt_-zg4Kypt1T/view?usp=sharing
h. Drum Set https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NGAA8qTqV4hfaVzSTI4D3o9P2pmS8b_E/view?usp=sharing
Auditions can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for all students, as long as students sufficiently prepare themselves in advance.  Work with your Band Director/Private teacher for assistance in developing your performance.  Even if you are not selected, you will grow in a great way to get there as well. 

B. Rathbone
[email protected]

SMHS Music Boosters
P.O. Box 4327
Foster City, CA 94404
Tax ID: 94-2647133
  • Home
  • Instrumental Ensembles
    • New Student Info
    • Chamber Orchestra
    • Concert Band
    • Jazz Ensemble
    • Marching Band
    • Symphonic Band
    • Pep Band
  • Choir
    • Concert Choir
    • Chamber Singers
  • Guard
  • Directors
    • Mr. Rathbone
    • Mr. Reifschneider
    • April Pietsch
  • Calendar
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
  • Booster Info