High School Instrumentalists
- Concurrent enrollment in school music program encouraged
- 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
Aragon High School, San Mateo
Ten Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 9:30 pm at Aragon High School, San Mateo
or
Central Middle School, San Carlos
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 rehearsals and all scheduled performances.
Tuition: $695
Limited need-based financial aid is available. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Thank you to everyone who auditioned this fall! Miles Ahead Big Band is currently at capacity. Auditions will be held again in August 2026.
Interested in learning more? Email us at [email protected]
Program Focus
- Weekly big band rehearsals
- Jazz performance, improvisation, and repertoire
- Performance opportunities
- Showcase performance in Dinkelspiel Auditorium at Stanford University
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 most talented high school jazz musicians. Renowned for their exceptional musicianship and electrifying performances, the band has consistently earned accolades—including top-three placement in the High School Conglomerate Big Band Division at the Next Generation Jazz Festival and Outstanding Performance Awards from DownBeat Magazine for two consecutive years.
In 2025, the band took the national stage as a finalist in the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, held in New York City and hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center. This invitation placed Miles Ahead among the finest high school jazz ensembles in the country, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.
With a track record of standout performances and a deep 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
