Big bands are back! Join us in person or online right here for our fall Big Band Showcase at 2 p.m. on November 20.

Here’s the lineup for this exciting concert at Dinkelspiel Auditorium on the Stanford University campus:

  • 2:00 PM Giant Steps Big Band directed by Dave Gregoric
  • 2:30 PM Miles Ahead Big Band directed by Kristen Strom
  • 3:00 PM Miles Ahead Big Band directed by Mike Galisatus, featuring special guest soloist Howard Wiley

Whether you attend in person, or watch the livestream on this web page, the show is free!

Here’s more information about these great bands, plus a couple videos from recent performances:

GIANT STEPS BIG BANDS: A SUPERCHARGED JAZZ PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICIANS

The Giant Steps Big Band program offers regional big band classes and performances on the Peninsula. Open by audition to talented middle school students, the bands are led by noted jazz educators such as Dave Gregoric, who has tons of success teaching at the middle school level. Support faculty address the curricular needs of individual instruments via special coaching sessions. It’s like getting a big band rehearsal and a private lesson every week — you won’t believe how quickly the members of these bands improve!

MILES AHEAD BIG BAND: AN ALL-STAR EXPERIENCE FOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSICIANS

Directed by Mike Galisatus and Kristen Strom, the Miles Ahead Big Bands are some of the premier regional all-star big bands for high school musicians. This award-winning ensemble brings together some of the top young musicians from all over the San Francisco Bay Area to play some of the best big band repertoire, and to experience the excitement of an ensemble playing at the highest levels.

Click here to learn more!

COVID-19 safety protocols for Department of Music events

Please click here to read the safety protocols and requirements for this concert.