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High School Instrumentalists

  • Concurrent enrollment in school music program required
  • Audition required
  • Rehearsals begin the first week of September
  • Two locations: Wednesdays at Aragon High School in San Mateo and Thursdays at Central Middle School in San Carlos
Instrumentation: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, vibes

Ten Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 9:30 pm at Aragon High School, San Mateo

Or ten Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:30 pm at Central Middle School, San Carlos

Rehearsals begin the first week of September.

Performances to be announced. Rehearsal dates subject to change pending rehearsal location availability.

Participation requires commitment to attend all ten rehearsals and all scheduled performances.

Tuition: $695

Limited need-based financial aid is available. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Program Focus

  • Weekly big band rehearsals
  • Jazz performance, improvisation, and repertoire
  • Performance opportunities
  • Showcase performance in Dinkelspiel Auditorium at Stanford University
Click for audition information

Auditions will be held in-person in August. You can find out more about the auditions by downloading this PDF.

Register now!

Miles Ahead Big Band

Directed by award-winning jazz educators Mike Galisatus and Kristen Strom, the Miles Ahead Big Band brings together many of the Bay Area’s top high school jazz musicians. Known for their exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances, the band has earned national recognition, placing in the top three in the High School Conglomerate Big Band Division at the prestigious Next Generation Jazz Festival and receiving Outstanding Performance Awards in DownBeat Magazine for two consecutive years.

In 2025, the **Miles Ahead Big Band will take the national stage once again as a finalist in the esteemed Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York City, hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center. This invitation places the ensemble among the finest high school jazz bands in the country, solidifying its reputation for excellence.

With a track record of outstanding performances and a commitment to musical growth, the Miles Ahead Big Band continues to push the boundaries of high school jazz.

Miles Ahead Big Band, directed by Mike Galisatus
meets Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Aragon High School, San Mateo, CA

Miles Ahead Big Band, directed by Kristen Strom
meets Thursday evenings, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Central Middle School, San Carlos, CA

Faculty