Music & Band

The Braves Marching Band is an extra-curricular activity that is comprised of students in grades 9 through 12 from Saint Joseph High School and St. John Bosco High School. The group averages about 60-65 members including Color Guard which begins to prepare for the upcoming season during the late spring. The Band performs at local parades, field competitions and all home and away football games.

The Braves Marching Band consists of students from the Advance Band, Concert Band and our sister school St. Joseph High School. Students audition annually so they can be placed in the appropriate band according to their skill level.

Each year, St. John Bosco's Marching Band performs at home and away football games and participates in the Belmont Shore and Whittier Christmas parades, the school’s fall and spring concerts, St. John Bosco special events, public musical festivals and at a Christmas concert for St. Dominic Savio Elementary School in Bellflower.

Competition

Our bands consistently earn gold ratings at the Forum Music Festivals in Anaheim, California and compete in Southern California & Orchestra Band Association (SCSBOA) events.

St. John Bosco's Percussion Ensemble, compromised of the Drum Line and Front Ensemble, performs throughout the academic year at football games with the St. John Bosco Marching Band and has been featured in various off-campus events, conferences and exhibitions. Dedicated to exposing students to repertoire written for percussion instruments, the ensemble aims to:

• Enhance students' understanding of standard and less common percussion instruments
• Provide a creative outlet for composition and improvisation
• Act as a vehicle for musical and cultural exploration

The Drum Line or Battery is the marching unit of the Percussion Ensemble and is made up of snare, tenor and bass drums, as well as a cymbal section. This popular section proves to be one of the most physically demanding and enjoyable sections in the entire band.

The Front Ensemble or Pit is the stationary unit within the Percussion Ensemble and features keyboard instruments such as Marimba, Xylophone, Vibes, Bells, Chimes, Timpani, and Auxiliary Percussion which include Concert Bass Drums, Gong, Drum Set, and Synthesizer (Piano). The unique part about this section is there is no marching!

Competition

St. John Bosco's Winter Guard and Percussion Ensemble competes in a circuits with the American Drumline Association (ADLA) and Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA). 

Intermediate ensemble is open to all students upon successful audition and/or approval from the instructor. Styles covered include swing, blues, funk, Latin jazz, etc. This ensemble will give several public concerts and perform in local festivals and Music Theater. Private lesson program is available. Students must be enrolled in Advance Band to qualify in the Jazz Band. Co-enrollment in another instrumental course is required.