MUSIC
“Music Speaks Louder Than Words”
Our popular music program offers students the opportunity to showcase their talents in a range of ensembles, from String Orchestra and Symphonic Band, to Honors Jazz Ensemble and Chorus. Student musicians hone their craft in our new state-of-the-art Elizabeth Cabrall Cabraser '70 Music Studio, with professional recording capability, a vast sheet music library, and exceptional acoustics. Our ensembles are thrilled to perform at various festivals and concerts throughout the year, including Reno Jazz Festival, CMEA Festivals, Music in The Parks, Santa Cruz Jazz Festival, Campana Festival, and Disneyland - with many students going on to become working professionals and educators in the field of music.
Symphonic Band
An intermediate-advanced course for woodwind, brass or percussion instruments, students rehearse music ranging from baroque to the modern era and perform together in a band.
Instagram: odowdsymphonicband
Jazz Band
Teaches basic jazz theory and improvisational techniques. Students learn to read jazz charts, speak and play the jazz language, and explore related musical styles, such as rock, swing, and ballads.
Instagram: odowdjazz
String Orchestra
An audition-based performance course focused on classical music, especially adaptations of masterworks, as well as some showtunes and pop music.
Instagram: odowdorchestra
Honors Jazz Ensemble
An audition-based performance course, students play big band jazz music and are introduced to jazz improvisation. The class also listens to a variety of jazz styles, including blues, Latin, rock fusion, swing, and shuffle.
Instagram: odowdjazz
Chorus
Students expand their skills as vocalists, covering traditional to contemporary selections. In addition to vocal technique and ensemble singing, students learn basic music theory, including how to read music and vocal scores.
Music Faculty
Fred Randolph, Director of Instrumental Music
Originally from Honolulu, Fred has a BA in Music from UC Berkeley and an MA in Music from Cal State East Bay. He has witnessed, time and again, how learning to play in a musical ensemble gives students the creative, social, intuitive, and intellectual skills to meet life’s challenges.
Clair Chaix '16, Chorus Teacher/Drama Music Manager
A Bay Area native, Claire Chaix '16 studied piano, viola, and singing from an early age. She earned her bachelors in Contemporary Writing and Production from Berklee College of Music, and believes wholeheartedly that the arts are essential for the development of the whole person.