The Wind Ensemble is an advanced level concert band open to
instrumentalists with the appropriate skill and maturity (by
audition only). The Symphonic Band is an intermediate level concert
band open to instrumentalists with the appropriate skill and
maturity.
The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
perform at community events, competitions, and numerous concerts
throughout the year.
Both groups perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts, and
combine to form the PHS Marching Band.
The Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band combine to form the
Marching Band, so members of the concert bands are automatically
members of the Marching Band.
Marching Band students are required to attend a week-long
Band Camp at the end of summer to prepare for the Fall marching
season. The Marching
Band goes on hiatus at the end of November, but returns to marching
in April. The group performs at several Northern California
competitions and events on Saturdays during the school year, and
takes a tour to places like Disneyland,
The Chamber Choir is an intermediate level class offered to
vocalists with the appropriate skill. The Chamber Choir
performs at several festivals and events outside of class during the
school year, including the Winter and Spring Concerts, and take a
tour to places like Disneyland, Chicago, Vancouver, New Orleans, and
Washington D.C. once a year. The ensemble requires an audition
to join.
The Varsity Jazz Ensemble is an advanced level class offered to
instrumentalists with the appropriate skill, maturity, and
instrumentation (by audition only). The Junior Varsity Jazz
Ensemble is an intermediate level class offered to instrumentalists
with the appropriate skill and instrumentation (by audition only).
The Jazz Ensemble instrumentation consists of saxophones, trombones,
trumpets, piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drum set. The
Varsity Jazz Ensemble performs at many community events (including
the Mystic Theatre) and Bay Area competitions. Both ensembles
perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts. Concurrent enrollment in
the Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band is required.
This extracurricular all-percussion group rehearses once a week
during the school year, and members are required to attend a
week-long Drum Line Camp at the end of summer. Drum Line is
open to any student who is a member of any PHS instrumental
ensemble. The group performs at several school and community
events, and at Winter Percussion Competitions during February and
March. The Drum Line currently rehearses on Wednesday from
5:00 to 7:00 PM. The Drum Line Instructor is Jon Lehtola.
PHS Jazz Combo
This extracurricular group consists of the most advanced members of
the Varsity Jazz Ensemble playing in a smaller ensemble of 5 to 7
players. The Jazz Combo performs at numerous community
fundraisers, charity events, and private parties around
PHS Dixieland Band
An extra-curricular jazz ensemble that is open to any student who is
a member of any PHS instrumental ensemble.
The ensemble specializes in the traditional jazz music of
The Color Guard is a coordinated movement, dance, and equipment
based performance group open to any PHS student. The Color
Guard performs with the Marching Band at parades during marching
season, but also performs separately at competitions during Winter
Guard season (February and March). The Color Guard currently
rehearses twice a week after school for two hours. An audition
is required in the Spring, and attendance at the summer Color Guard
Camp (concurrent with the summer Band Camp) is also required.
The Color Guard Instructor is Sarah Kirkbride.
As director of all band classes at PHS, advisor to the Drum Line,
Dixieland Band, and Color Guard, and the former Choral Director (8
years), Mr. Eveland has proven himself to be a dedicated and
hard-working teacher. For over 15 years, he has elevated the
Music Program at
Elizabeth Robertson
Choral Director at PHS
The PHS Music Boosters is an organization of music parents that
provide the financial and physical support necessary to keep the
Music Department at Petaluma High operating. The Boosters main
fundraiser is a weekly bingo game. The game is staffed and
operated by the parents of PHS music students in cooperation with
the music parents at
The band and choir classes have student leadership organizations that consist of presidents, treasurers, librarians, section leaders, etc. These groups are responsible for coordinating fundraisers and activities, and for providing team leadership and general assistance.
Questions
regarding the PHS Music Program can be directed to Cliff Eveland or
Elizabeth Robertson at 769-9650 (PHS Music Office, leave a
message).