School of Music

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.

Color Guard

Color Guard is a co-ed dance performance ensemble which cultivates personal growth through competitive performances with the marching band promoting self-esteem, education and creativity combining flag, dance, athletic and equipment training.

The Color Guard is an important part of the Marching Show. They provide "color" to the overall effect of the show by closely choreographed interpretative dance routines that match the drill design. The Color Guard utilizes flags, rifles, sabre and other props to enhance the overall show and make it visually appealing.

The Color Guard is comprised of students from both Saint Joseph and St. John Bosco High School. Most of the rehearsals in the Fall are at St. John Bosco High School. In the Winter, guard rehearsals take place at Saint Joseph High School.

Winter Guard

Unlike traditional Color Guard, Winter Guard is performed indoors, usually in a gymnasium or an indoor arena and focuses more on dance and movement skills put in the routine to challenge the group and to bring them to the next level of precision and skill.

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.