My daughter said all the teachers are amazing, super supportive of students learning jazz for the first time.
~ Jazz Camp parent

High School Instrumentalists

  • Concurrent enrollment in school music program required
  • Audition required, in-person or online
Instrumentation: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, vibes

Ten Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 9:30pm at the College of San Mateo

To sign up for an audition, register using your existing SJW account or create one if you’re new to SJW. We’ll contact you to schedule an audition.

Program Details:

February 7 –  May 10

Performance in May

Directed by Mike Galisatus

Rehearsals at College of San Mateo
Building 2, Room 150
1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402

Program Focus

  • Weekly big band rehearsals
  • Jazz performance and repertoire
  • Performance opportunities
  • Showcase performance in May in Dinkelspiel Auditorium at Stanford University

Miles Ahead Big Band

The SJW Miles Ahead Big Band is an all-star performance ensemble open to high school jazz musicians from anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. Open by audition only, the Miles Ahead High School Big Band gives high school musicians a solid foundation in improvisation, practice discipline, and the performance of jazz styles and repertoire. The program includes performances, including concerts at Stanford University, appearances at the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Festival (shown in video above), and other great opportunities.

The program is directed by Michael Galisatus, Director of Bands at the College of San Mateo. He has been the recipient of various teaching honors and currently holds the office of Jazz Representative for the California Music Educator’s Association, and is on the board of the California Alliance for Jazz. As a freelance trumpeter in the San Francisco Bay Area, Michael has recorded with Pete Escovedo and Queen Ida, and has performed with a variety of artists, including Louis Bellson, Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra Jr., Mary Wilson, Kenny Washington, Jamie Davis, Frankie Valli, Kenny Loggins, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, Mel Torme, The Temptations, Michael Feinstein and a host of others.

Faculty

Register
Giant Steps Big Band SJW All-Star High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble