Our Program

Membership: 85 students, 7th Period

The Blue Star Regiment (BSR) is the name of the marching band at John W. North HS. The BSR has traveled extensively throughout its history, and performed at numerous prestigious events. The BSR has marched in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Portland Rose Festival Parade, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, and two times at the Fiesta Bowl Tournament of Bands. The BSR has also traveled to England, Spain, France, China (three times), Australia, and Japan.

Membership: 20 students, 6th/7th Period

The Color Guard of the Blue Star Regiment is comprised of highly successful and artistic performers. The color guard activity includes artistic dance and performance with equipment such as flags and rifles. The audition for this ensemble is held one time each year after Spring Break. Members perform as part of the Blue Star Regiment in the fall, and with the dance team and Winter Guard through participation with WGASC in the winter and spring. 

Membership: 20 students, 7th Period

This is an advanced indoor marching ensemble open to students by audition. Members are selected from the Blue Star Regiment’s fall membership. Students perform a modern indoor marching show at school around southern California beginning in February. The season culminates with a performance at the WGASC Championships in the spring.

Membership: 25 students, 6th Period

The most advanced band offered, the Wind Symphony is an audition group that performs advanced literature. Members are expected to have a high level of musicianship and advanced skill on their instrument. Percussionists are chosen to perform with this band from the 5th period advanced ensemble. The Wind Symphony has more performances throughout the year than the other concert ensembles, and represents North at concert festivals.

Membership: 40 students, 3rd/4th Period

Combining students from 3rd and 4th periods and percussion from 5th period, this is an intermediate ensemble designed to enhance students’ fundamental skills and develop high school proficient music standards. This group performs fantastic literature for concerts throughout the year, and every student at North regardless of experience is welcome.

Membership: 15 students, 5th Period

The Percussion Studio is dedicated entirely to the percussive arts. In the fall, the class is part of the Blue Star Regiment battery and front ensemble, and then members are placed into various ensembles throughout the rest of the year. Students take master classes on various percussion instruments, including mallets percussion, rudimental percussion, and drumset.

Membership: 15 students, 7th Period

The Jazz Ensemble is an 2nd semester ensemble at North. Performing on jazz wind and rhythm instruments, students learn history and performance practice of American jazz music, including a strong emphasis on improvisation and style. Students must be concurrently enrolled in a concert band class (3rd-6th period).

Membership: 5-15 students

This ensemble performs with the students in the spring musical each year, combining the students of the VAPA Department for a huge project that thousands of audience members see each year. Instrumentation and membership depends on the musical each year, but music tends to be modern and requires versatile performers.

Membership: 15 students

This ensemble is the pep band at North, performing music from many different genres and styles. Students chosen for this group are often the most senior members. Participation in the BSR is required for all members. The ensemble is mostly student driven, and the members determine rehearsal times. The group performs at selected athletic events, and other events for the community.