Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band is San Mateo High’s advanced band class, ideal intended for students with at least 1-3 years of experience on a band instrument.
Students study and perform advanced concert and festival literature throughout the year, participating in Fall, Winter, Pops, and Spring concerts, adjudicated festivals in the spring, and graduation.
Students in Symphonic Band can optionally participate in Pep Band, which performs at all home football games during the fall and school rally events throughout the year.
Instruments in Symphonic Band include: Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion.
All students enrolled in band will complete a placement test by the end of the previous school year to determine whether they will be placed in Concert Band or Symphonic Band. This is not a formal audition and there is nothing students need to prepare for. Current students will complete their placement test during their band class in April or May. The director will also visit local middle schools in April or May to test incoming 9th grade students. New musicians with no experience will automatically be placed in Concert Band."
Symphonic Band receives Visual and Performing Arts credit, fulfilling the “f” requirement for UC a-g admission.
Symphonic Band Director: Mr. Abada ([email protected])
A limited supply of school-owned instruments is available for loan during the school year at no cost to families. Some instruments may not be available, and priority is given to students who are in financial need and qualify for free or reduced lunch. Percussion instruments are provided by default, though percussionists are expected to purchase their own drumsticks and practice pads. Wind instrumentalists—including students borrowing a school instrument—are expected to provide their own accessories, including reeds, cleaning swabs, valve oil, slide grease, and cork grease.
Purchasing your own instrument is strongly recommended whenever possible. A high-quality new or used instrument will likely last your student for the rest of their lifetime and is a worthwhile investment in their education and passion! Please see the SMHS Band Materials below for a complete list of materials needed for all band classes, as well as recommended instrument brands. Do not buy cheap instruments from Amazon! They often break and cannot be repaired by repair shops.
Students study and perform advanced concert and festival literature throughout the year, participating in Fall, Winter, Pops, and Spring concerts, adjudicated festivals in the spring, and graduation.
Students in Symphonic Band can optionally participate in Pep Band, which performs at all home football games during the fall and school rally events throughout the year.
Instruments in Symphonic Band include: Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion.
All students enrolled in band will complete a placement test by the end of the previous school year to determine whether they will be placed in Concert Band or Symphonic Band. This is not a formal audition and there is nothing students need to prepare for. Current students will complete their placement test during their band class in April or May. The director will also visit local middle schools in April or May to test incoming 9th grade students. New musicians with no experience will automatically be placed in Concert Band."
Symphonic Band receives Visual and Performing Arts credit, fulfilling the “f” requirement for UC a-g admission.
Symphonic Band Director: Mr. Abada ([email protected])
A limited supply of school-owned instruments is available for loan during the school year at no cost to families. Some instruments may not be available, and priority is given to students who are in financial need and qualify for free or reduced lunch. Percussion instruments are provided by default, though percussionists are expected to purchase their own drumsticks and practice pads. Wind instrumentalists—including students borrowing a school instrument—are expected to provide their own accessories, including reeds, cleaning swabs, valve oil, slide grease, and cork grease.
Purchasing your own instrument is strongly recommended whenever possible. A high-quality new or used instrument will likely last your student for the rest of their lifetime and is a worthwhile investment in their education and passion! Please see the SMHS Band Materials below for a complete list of materials needed for all band classes, as well as recommended instrument brands. Do not buy cheap instruments from Amazon! They often break and cannot be repaired by repair shops.
