Our Programs
We offer various programs to suit different musicians at different ages.
To learn more about our offerings, scroll through the program descriptions below.
High School Programs
El Segundo High School Marching Band
The marching band season at El Segundo High School takes the most amount of commitment, but is the most fulfilling to me. Our rehearsals and practices are mainly student led, which makes marching band feel more like a team sport rather than a class. Being a student leader in marching band adds even more to the commitment, since you are responsible for the actions of your section. Also, leadership in a marching band is more than just telling other people what to do, you yourself have to set an example by following directions of staff members and helping out whenever possible. Student leadership creates a more inclusive environment where you can find help amongst your peers and find friends who can relate to you. However, being in leadership, personally, has made me a more confident person when talking to people and has pushed me to set the best example for other members. - Alison Stosser, Class of 2022
High School Concert Band
The Award-Winning El Segundo Concert Band meets daily. This group performs literature in a variety of styles from around the world. This group performs regularly at the ESHS Performing Arts Center. They also participate in performance festivals, including SCSBOA, CSU-Long Beach, and Music in the Parks, among others. Keep an eye on the news section for upcoming performances!
Color Guard & Winter Guard
Color guard is spinning equipments such as rifle, sabre, and flag along with dance on a football field with the marching band. Color Guard brings the visual aspect to life and helps create emotion to the music. In color guard they do travel with the band to all the competitions and perform at football games as well ( plus still get PE credit!). For regular color guard the circuit used is the WBA (Western band association) which includes bands from California and Nevada.
For winter guard it is slightly different, for one it is not outside but instead in gym. It is as well only the guard no band for music it is to and audio which may or may not have lyrics in the piece. Another major difference would be while winter guard performs in a gym they also use a floor mat to help set the scene in the performance. And for competitions there are two major circuits the winter guard does which is WGASC and WGI the only difference would be WGI is international while WGASC is based in Southern California.
Click here to watch our Winter Guard in action!
-Sara Jacqueline Cárdenas Class of 2021
El Segundo High School Jazz Band
The El Segundo Jazz Band is a smaller, one to a part ensemble that performs more popular styles of music. Students may play a swing chart, followed by a Stevie Wonder tune, followed by an Afro-Cuban tune. Students also get the opportunity to learn improvisation, jazz theory, and the history of jazz through this performance class. This ensemble generally consists of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section made up of a piano, guitar, bass, vibraphone, and drum set players. All instrumentalists are encouraged to join! Students perform regularly at the ESHS Performing Arts Center, at area jazz festivals, and in the community. We look forward to seeing you at our next concert!
Battery/Winter Drum Line
The battery and winter drumline section is our percussionists' place to shine. Students in the battery work with coaches at least once a week to perfect their performance capabilities. The battery is an integral part of the marching band and their precision in performance is key to the band's success.
The front ensemble is the group that plays on the sideline during the marching show. This group of students plays instruments that cannot be marched, like marimbas and tam tams, to provide a broader range of color to the performance. Guitars, electronics, and even computer samples are used to enhance the overall ensemble effect.
Winter drumline allows these students to perform and compete through the spring season. With their coaches, the students create a cohesive show that tells a story through marching, acting, and music. Students work tirelessly to put together amazing performances. Join us on the football field in the fall and the gym in the spring to hear and see these amazing performers.
Middle School Programs
El Segundo Middle School Band
El Segundo Middle School (ESMS) has a successful band program that is available to all students. This elective is suitable for all levels of musicians, from beginning to advanced players. Students who have no or very little music experience take beginning band. This class teaches your student how to read music and play instruments. Intermediate band is taken after the completion of beginning band or elementary advanced band. This class further explores musicianship, harder music, and how to play successfully in an ensemble. Advanced band is taken when the student completes intermediate band at the middle school. This class explores all musical concepts deeper such as intonation, tone, timbre, and others. Each group performs every 2-3 months. Students who do not have a personal instrument can be provided one upon request and while instrument is in stock. El Segundo Middle School has an exceptional band program that is available to all students, taught by extraordinary teachers.
Harper Dame, class of 2024
Click here to watch our video about the Middle School Band Program
Elementary School Programs
Elementary Band
In normal times the elementary band is open for any and all 4th and 5th grade students attending Richmond Street School or Center Street School. We offer students to learn how to play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and percussion (snare drum, mallets, and auxiliary). Classes are held after school for 45 minutes twice per week and are in a small group setting, meaning that they will be with a teacher and the other like-instruments. Our teachers are professional musicians from all across Los Angeles, and many of them have a Doctoral degree in music performance! In elementary band, students will learn to play by ear, read music on the staff, how to form a correct embouchure, air support, and build practice skills for home playing. Completion of one full year of elementary band will allow students to be promoted into the Intermediate Band at El Segundo Middle School. Rental instruments are offered for a nominal fee each semester, this fee helps with the upkeep and maintenance of our inventory. The elementary band is run as a paid class through the Ed Foundation! sign ups can be found here. If you have any questions about elementary band you can contact our Director Heather Ukrisna at hbreene@esusd.k12.ca.us