Why Band or Orchestra
Immediate Reasons to be in Band

1. Students learn the essential qualities of self-discipline, rehearsal conduct, performance deportment.

2. Learn to take care of something valuable.

3. Learn music theory, and an appreciation of the musical fine arts.

4. Have an opportunity to perform solos in festival which leads to the Honor system which is a direct route to college recruiters.

5.We have seen students use music to get ahead in life. Colleges more than ever have seen the music student as an important part of any college and we have many examples of colleges taking our Alumni into their school over non-musicians.

6. Studies have shown taking a music class enhances higher brain function, improves reading and math performance, raises IQ scores, provides important life enhancing experiences, Increases SAT Scores, teaches a habit of excellence, develops quick and decisive thinking skills, builds teamwork, enhances cooperation, and prepares children for their future.

If you continue to play....Hillsdale's achievements

- 2 time awarded "Top 5 out of the Nation" Recording contest through Sony Music

- Featured on Local News with Larry Himmel, Dave Scott, Rod Luck.

-Hillsdale was featured on a 6 month long 30 min. segment featuring "Jazz in San Diego".

 -3 time ITV selected Performance from KSDS 88.3 Jazz City College Jazz Festival

- Over 90 HMS students have selected for All-County Honor Band since its inception they have
   worked with Assistant Symphony and Pops Director Director Matt Garbut. Dr. Dan Nelson of Point
   Loma Nazarene.

- 14 HMS All-State Honor Band Participants since its inception (Most of any school in San Diego 
   County)

- Achieved high ratings in local and regional Vocal and Instrumental Festivals.

- Be an Active Community Performer....
      Taste of East County
      Policeman's Foundation Dinner at the Prado
       Movie Openings
       Viejas Outlet Center
       La Mesa Old Fashioned Xmas
       Women’s Abuse shelter opening

- Hillsdale Music Dept. 12 time Sweepstakes winner - Means they Beat High Schools

- Two time "Esprit De Corps" Winner at Music in the Parks Festival Most coveted and sought after
  "Best Behavior Award"

- Hillsdale groups has earned over $80,000 in tickets in exchange for our performance at     
    Disneyland.  Disneyland pays Hillsdale to play.

- Two time selected performer for the California Music Educators Association "Administrators
   Dessert" show.

-  Jazz Ensembles and current and former Hillsdale Students performed at "House Of Blues" for last
    two years.

Alumni Accomplishments (that we know of)

- "Scarlet Symphony" won San Diego Music Awards for Alt Music
- Scarlet Symphony nominated for best Album
- Vokab Kompany Nominated this year to San Diego Music Awards
- Valhalla Students Marched in the opening Ceremony of the Olympics in Australia
- Two students now own Recording Studios.
- Jesse' Plack can be heard on iTunes (working on hos second album)
- Phil Johnson Former Drum Major of Fresno State (5 years as drum major)
- Aaron Krass, Plays for UCLA Band sent to china to perform, 3 commercials as well.
- Casey Hernandez, teaches music at Hillsdale MS & Valhalla HS, Plays for USD pep band.