The DHS Band and Orchestra program is considered one of the best high school instrumental music programs in the United States, as recognized by the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference. DHS Band and Orchestra students receive a world class music education in a safe and professional environment that fosters community. Band and Orchestra look excellent on a college application and the Honors level courses offer students a GPA boost (5.0 scale).
The Band and Orchestra programs tour every two years, alternating between domestic locations and Ireland: Ireland 2022, Chicago 2024, Ireland 2026, TBD 2028.
Band activities include Band Camp, Field Show competitions, Chabot Wind Band Festival, CMEA Festival, concerts, clinicians, and more. Jazz events include the Sac State Jazz Festival, Folsom Jazz Festival, Campana Jazz Festival, LPAA Jazz Championships, and more.
Orchestra activities include Orchestra Camp, Sonoma State Orchestra Festival, Homestead Orchestra festival, SF Symphony concert field trip, and more.
The Band and Orchestra programs tour every two years, alternating between domestic locations and Ireland: Ireland 2022, Chicago 2024, Ireland 2026, TBD 2028.
Band activities include Band Camp, Field Show competitions, Chabot Wind Band Festival, CMEA Festival, concerts, clinicians, and more. Jazz events include the Sac State Jazz Festival, Folsom Jazz Festival, Campana Jazz Festival, LPAA Jazz Championships, and more.
Orchestra activities include Orchestra Camp, Sonoma State Orchestra Festival, Homestead Orchestra festival, SF Symphony concert field trip, and more.
2026-27 Course Registration Info
If you are NEW to DHS or are currently in Symphonic Band/Philharmonic Orchestra at DHS, list Symphonic Band (Band 2)/Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra 2) as your first choice elective. If you want to be in an advanced Band (Honors Wind Ensemble or Honors Jazz Ensemble), you will submit an audition, and your schedule will be changed accordingly if you make it into that ensemble. Do NOT register for "Band 1 - Concert Band" or Orchestra 1 - String Orchestra," as those courses do not currently exist at DHS.
If you are currently in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, or Chamber Orchestra please list that class as your first choice in Infinite Campus.
If you are currently in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, or Chamber Orchestra please list that class as your first choice in Infinite Campus.
- Philharmonic Orchestra – No audition required; minimum 2 years of prior playing experience required.
- Symphonic Band – No audition required; minimum 2 years of prior playing experience required.
- Honors Chamber Orchestra – Audition required for enrollment.
- Honors Jazz Ensemble – Audition required for enrollment.
- Honors Wind Ensemble – Audition required for enrollment.
Auditions
Auditions are ONLY required for students who want to be in an ADVANCED ensemble: Honors Wind Ensemble, Honors Jazz Ensemble, or Chamber Orchestra. There is NO audition required to be in Symphonic Band or Philharmonic Orchestra at DHS. All students with middle school experience are welcome to join these ensembles.
Ensemble Auditions for the 2026-27 school year will take place in March 2026.
2026-27 Ensemble Audition Instructions
- Read all audition instructions and requirements carefully.
- Sign-up for your audition by completing the Audition Sign-Up Form
- Arrive on-time and prepared for your audition.
Important Information regarding auditions
- Students currently enrolled in an honors ensemble are required to re-audition each year.
- All auditions will be held in-person during the weeks of March 23 - 27 & March 30 - April 3.
- Jazz auditions will take place in the DHS Band Room (C119)
- Wind Ensemble & Chamber Orchestra auditions will be held in the Music Office/Band Room (C119) or Drama Room (C116) for current 0 period orchestra students.
- Be sure to read the documents titled “READ FIRST” thoroughly. These will provide specific information and dates regarding each ensemble’s audition.
- If the designated audition times do not work for you, you must email Mr. Bainton ASAP to determine alternate arrangements.
- All students are encouraged to audition for the honors-level ensembles! Whether you are accepted or not, learning and going through the audition process will only help improve your skills and musicianship. Students are encouraged to audition for and enroll in multiple ensembles.
Audition results will be posted on the DHS Music website. They will also be emailed to incoming/current students.
Please be patient. It can take a few weeks to hear every student and place students accordingly. Additionally, it takes time for the counseling department to place each student in the correct class.
Students who do not audition will be placed in Symphonic Band or Concert Band. 8th graders are encouraged to audition for Wind Ensemble or Jazz Ensemble. It can’t hurt to try! No matter what, you will still get to be in Symphonic/Concert Band and the Irish Guard marching band.
Transfer students may audition by emailing a single video of each of the components of the audition, minus sight reading, to Mr. Bainton as far prior to Band Camp as possible.
