• Giant Steps Big Band

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Middle School Instrumentalists

  • Audition required
  • Concurrent enrollment in school music program encouraged

weekday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

  • GSBB North rehearses on Tuesday evenings, hosted at Mills HS in Millbrae.
  • GSBB South rehearses on Wednesday evenings, hosted at Homestead HS in Cupertino.
  • GSBB Mid-peninsula on Thursday evenings, hosted at Fletcher Middle School in Palo Alto

Fall & Spring seasons offered. Performance at the end of each season.

Tuition: $895

Program Focus

  • Weekly big band rehearsals
  • Directed by top legendary local jazz educators
  • Weekly master classes with SJW instrumental coaching faculty
  • Showcase performance at end of the season

Thanks to all students who auditioned this fall! Giant Steps Big Band is currently at capacity. Auditions will be held next in August 2026.

Giant Steps Big Band

Giant Steps Big Bands: An Exciting Jazz Experience for Young Musicians

Directed by some of the Bay Area’s top middle school jazz educators, the Giant Steps Big Bands provide young musicians with a dynamic and supportive environment to develop their jazz skills and grow as performers.

Each band meets weekly to explore jazz repertoire, master stylistic techniques, refine instrumental skills, and dive into the art of improvisation. During rehearsals, students also receive specialized master classes from Stanford Jazz Workshop faculty, gaining expert instruction tailored to their instruments.

Performance is a key part of the experience—Giant Steps Big Bands take the stage at least once per semester, giving students the chance to showcase their growth and musicianship.

The program runs throughout the fall and spring semesters, with students committing to the full school year for a continuous, in-depth jazz experience. A separate registration process is required for the spring semester.

Giant Steps Big Band North, directed by Dave Gregoric at Mills High School, Millbrae

Giant Steps Big Band Mid-peninsula, directed by Dr. Dave Hart, rehearsals at Fletcher Middle School in Palo Alto

Giant Steps Big Band South, directed by John Burn at Homestead High School, Cupertino

Directors

David Hart

Trumpet
Dave Gregoric

Dave Gregoric

Trombone

John Burn

Trumpet