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 Woodside High School, Woodside

Giant Steps Big Band South, directed by John Burn at Homestead High School, Cupertino John Burn’s leadership is supported by an Anonymous donor