Burlingame High School Music Programs

Stay connected with BHS Music! View or subscribe to our calendar for upcoming events, and join our email list for updates to students and families.

Your donations, business sponsorships, and volunteer time help sustain a quality music education for our students. We welcome your support - especially your helping hands!

BHS Music Boosters is a tax-exempt charitable organization. Tax ID: 94-6102482

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Introduction to music at Burlingame High School

BHS Music Department classes are open to all BHS students and begin on the first day of school as part of the students’ regular class schedule.

All Bands and ensembles, Chamber orchestra, and Vocal Jazz are directed by BHS Music Director Kyoko Yamamoto.

The BHS marching/pep band and Vocal Jazz entertain at home football games, pep rallies, community events, parades, graduation, and numerous concerts. As part of the music education curriculum, all band classes combine to form the Marching Band and Pep Band. In addition, the ensembles, Chamber Orchestra, and Vocal Jazz annually compete at California Music Educators Association (CMEA) Festivals.

Those enrolled in Concert band are also offered an opportunity to audition for Jazz ensemble and Wind ensemble. Auditions are in the spring for the following school year.

Follow @bhs_panther_music running by Mrs Yamamoto

Upcoming Events

Field Show Practice- October 14 from 7:15-8:15am on the BHS Practice Field

Football Game- October 16 vs Half Moon Bay, call-time is 6pm for drumline/band staff and 6:10pm for the rest of Pep Band

Field Show Practice- October 21 from 7:15-8:15am on the BHS Practice Field

Music Boosters Meeting- October 22 at 7pm on Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/74342394686?pwd=Z6tF7KRYLPQqRPh5wOFZGvcugjDGcc.1
Meeting ID: 743 4239 4686
Passcode: 956212

Field Show Practice- October 23 from 7:15-8:15am on the BHS Practice Field
NOTE: This is another Friday Field Show Practice

Field Show Practice- October 28 from 7:15-8:15am on the BHS Practice Field

Foreigner at Mountain Winery- On October 28 Vocal Jazz performs with Foreigner at the Mountain Winery, participants and volunteer drivers will leave BHS at 3pm

Football Game and Half-Time Show- October 30 vs Mountain View, ALL BAND STUDENTS IN FULL MARCHING UNIFORMS and all-time is 5:30pm for drumline/band staff and 5:45pm for the rest of Pep Band

Announcements

Call for Volunteers

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Our winter concert will be here before we know it and we still need coordinators to set up and manage the Eventbrite tickets, the bake sale and set up at the event itself. If you are interested, please reach out to president@bhspanthermusic.org.

Please update or complete your volunteer clearances ASAP. Please go to https://bhs.smuhsd.org/our-school/general-information/volunteering for more information.

Vocal Jazz at the Warriors!!

Vocal Jazz was once again invited to perform the National Anthem at the Warriors home game at the Boston Celtics on Sunday, November 22 at 5:30pm at the Chase Center. This is always a highlight of the year and detailed field trip information will be provided within the next few weeks!

This is certain to be a popular game and we want to get an initial count of how many tickets/seats we should ask them to set aside for us to purchase. If you’d like to purchase tickets, please fill out this brief indication of interest form. Note that this is NOT a guarantee for seats: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScp56wn9bUfd5EMxuLckGfmeo3HiV3A3UbRHEthld-Nhv3lRA/viewform?usp=header

Red Hoodies

We’ve had a few families ask about ordering hoodies after missing the initial order window. If we order in bulk, the per piece cost is $45, but if we order one-offs, it’s $55. Access Uniforms has let us know that if we have at least 12 new orders, the bulk pricing would be $50. If we get 24, it’s back to the $45 pricing. Please fill out the attached form here if you’re interested: https://forms.gle/hnJSeiG7ywDhs4VP7

Get Your BHS Music Spirit Wear!

BHS Music Boosters has set up an online merch store with local company Access Uniforms Ink. Check out our branded t-shirts, zip up hoodies, sweatpants, beanies and the ever popular PJ Flannel Pants! It’s all here: https://www.accessink.com/bhsmusic/shop/home Place your orders and rock your Music Department merch during our very busy event calendar, and don’t forget to share with friends and family.

Donate to Music Boosters

We’ve had several people ask how they can help Music Boosters with a donation. We are a 501(c)(3), Tax ID #: is 94-6102482. You can direct donations via check (Peninsula Music Fund, Inc. (dba BHS Music Boosters), P.O. Box 1113, Burlingame, CA 94010-1113) , Zelle at BHSMusicBoost@gmail.com, or via PayPal Giving Fund at https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2235807. Thank you in advance!

Highlights and past events

Check out the Burlingame B’s coverage of the Tri-M Ceremony last week!

Jazz Ensemble Prom Performance

May 16, Exploratorium, Pier 15, San Francisco

The Jazz Ensemble has been invited to perform at the prom again this year!

Call time: 7pm (at the latest!)

Performance time: 7:15-8:00pm

Dress code: Suits, Tuxedo, Dress (concert or prom)

Make sure to bring your instrument, music, music stand, amp, and cable (please pick them up on Friday!)

Chaperone needed: 1 (Please email Mrs Yamamoto if you can chaperone the jazz ensemble until the end of the performance time)

Behavior expectation: same as behavior expected at school.
No illegal activity or possession allowed.

Freshman and Sophomore students: please make sure to be picked up by your parents/guardians before 10pm.
You will need to check out with Ms. Yamamoto. Make sure to pick up your instruments when you leave.

Juniors and seniors: If you are staying later than 10pm, please make sure to pick up your instruments when you leave.

Each musician will receive a complimentary prom ticket for their participation!

Participants

Cole Kilponen

Lucy Kendall

Stephen Jankowski

Ioannis Laskaris

Mitsuki Masubuchi

Noah Van Zandt

Levi Keyak

Paul Van Zandt

Aidan Vega

Liam Christensen

Alex Bertelli

Kavya Gopalla

Colin Haine

Collin Phonsombat

Elliott Covalesky

Taku Onoe

Jairo Guerigay

Savannah Legos

Spring Concert Videos & Photos

The spring concert video is finally up on youtube! Huge thanks to the music program alumnus,

Alex Karanov for filming and editing our concert! View the video here

Thank you to parent, Alvin Vega, for photographing the Spring Concert.

You can see his shared album here.

Music Boosters Meeting Minutes

Please click here to view meeting minutes from our March Meeting.

Marching Band/Tux/Dress Uniform Returns

Important Info

**SENIORS: Returning dresses, tuxedos, and marching band uniforms is required to graduate.

WHAT TO RETURN & WHEN

Marching Band Uniforms

Seniors and non-returning students: please return your marching band uniform and hat after the Memorial Day Parade. Meet at the music room at BHS after the parade to drop everything off.

Returning students: Keep your marching band uniform for the 2026–27 school year. Sizing checks will be done before the next performance.

Dresses & Tuxedos

Seniors and non-returning students - (Vocal Jazz, Wind, Jazz & Orchestra) — due Friday, May 22.

Hang your tux/dress on the rack in the music room. Tuxedo items to return: black jacket, black pants, white shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund. Bring your garment in the original bag if you still have it.

Label your bag or garment with your first and last name — unlabeled returns cannot be tracked.

Returning students - dresses & tuxedos (Vocal Jazz, Wind, Jazz & Orchestra): keep your dress/tux for the 2026–27 school year. Sizing checks will be done before the next performance.

Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEERS: we need a few helping hands!

*Help collect and check in uniforms after the Memorial Day Parade in the music room.

*Drive instruments to Bronstein in South San Francisco on Thurs., May 28 (we need 2 drivers with a minivan or large SUV to drop off instruments for servicing and repairs).

*Drop off uniforms to Adeline Cleaners during the week of May 26.

Please review the 2026-2027 open roles and role descriptions here. If you’d like to sign up, add your information to columns P, Q and R in the link above (those are the only editable columns).

Open Volunteer Roles/Coordinators - SIGN UP NOW!

Recording Secretary

(e.g, record minutes at monthly Zoom Boosters meetings; approx. 2 hours per month)

Winter concert tickets/bake sale coordinator

(e.g., set up Eventbrite ticketing, coordinate sign ups for bake sale and concert program, coordinate during the event)

Spring concert tickets/bake sale/senior ads coordinator

(e.g., set up Eventbrite ticketing, coordinate sign ups for bake sale and concert program, coordinate during the event)

Orchestra tux/dress coordinator

(e.g., fittings, refitting, contracts, and tracking returns for seniors)

Marching Band Inventory & Purchasing Coordinator

(e.g., check inventory in music room and determine if new pants/jackets need to be purchased; make purchases)

Marching Band Uniform Contracts & Return of Uniform Coordinator

(e.g., send out contracts via Google form in the fall; track returns by seniors and non-returning students in May)

Marching Band Cleaning, Maintenance & Storage Coordinator

(e.g., pick up and drop off uniforms at dry cleaners and return to music storage room - mostly end of school year)

Disney T-shirt sponsors coordinator
(e.g., contact 3 to 5 businesses to be a spring tour t-shirt sponsor; coordinate t-shirt order)

If you’re available to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Nadine Stocklin

Highlights

BHS Jazz Ensemble & Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Congratulations!

Our BHS Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Ensemble musicians participated in the 37th Folsom Jazz Festival on Saturday, January 24. More than 100 middle and high school jazz bands, vocal jazz choirs, and combos from across California and Nevada competed that day. Both ensembles performed with so much care, precision, and passion!!! I am so so proud of all of my students!

We are proud to announce:

The BHS Jazz Ensemble won 1st place in Division 1A!
The BHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble placed 3rd out of 17 vocal jazz ensembles, was named a finalist, and performed for a packed, standing‑room‑only audience!

2026 California All State Ensemble Musicians

A Message from Ms Yamamoto:

Dear BHS Music Boosters Families,

Thank you so much for your constant support for our musicians!

On Sunday, the results of the 2026 California All-State Ensembles audition came out.

We are so proud to announce that 8 BHS musicians were selected (the most selected out of the entire district - 4 years in a row!) for the 2026 California All-State Ensembles!

Every year, thousands of students from all over California audition for the honor ensembles.

From the BHS music program, 24 students auditioned for the all-state this year. I am so proud of all of our musicians who participated in the auditions.

These students will be traveling to Sacramento on January 14th-18th to attend rehearsals led by the world's top conductors and perform for the music conference where thousands of music educators are in attendance in the audience.

Here are the students who earned their places in the each ensemble:

California All-State Ensembles

Vocal Jazz

Siena Polasek (Junior, Soprano 2)

Alona Savella (Junior, Soprano 2)

Aidan Vega (Junior, Baritone)

String Orchestra

Shonna Foo (Sophomore, Violin 2)

Haruka Ota (Sophomore, Cello)

Symphonic Band

Evelyn Hon (Junior, Bassoon)

Golden State Band

Nina Weng (Freshman, Flute)

Darren Tam (Sophomore, Trumpet)

Please congratulate the musicians when you see them!

Also from the Burlingame Intermediate School, Owen Larkin (Baritone Sax) has been selected for all state junior high school concert band!!!! Congratulations Owen and Tim!!!!

Congratulations Vocal Jazz - Warriors Performance

Last night at the Warriors game, the Vocal Jazz delivered an outstanding performance of the National Anthem directed by Ms. Yamamoto. As the group walked off the court, Gary Payton II stopped to congratulate them and high-fived everyone—an unforgettable moment that highlighted just how special their performance was. Bravo! To top it all off, a Valkyries rep spoke with us after the performance and is interested in having the Vocal Jazz perform at one of their games! Below are some pictures from the event and a video from Alvin Vega.

Volunteer Spotlight

Thank you Karen Jue for treating the band to donuts on Friday after field show practice!

Thank you Ruth, Karen J., Karen, D. Eileen, and Shirley for helping sell raffle tickets, merch, and food/water at the football game!

Tri-M Induction Ceremony

Well done, Ms. Yamamoto and executive staff, and congrats to all the new members!

2026 Disney Tour Deposit Information

Deposit Due by October 5

Tour Dates: Feb 13 - 16, 2026

We are so excited for the Disney tour! For all participants please remember that your deposit is due on October 5th. Here are the details of payments:

Price for students - $978, triple occupancy (each student will have their own bed) OR round up your cost to $1000 and become a Disney Magic Supporter, where your additional funds will go towards ensuring everyone can come. Magic Supporters will be recognized at our winter concert.

**Optional travel insurance is available at an additional cost. In order to choose the Cancel For Any Reason option, insurance must be purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit date. If interested, please visit:

www.travelinsured.com/group.signup?group=163507&guid=f899b49eac3444349602ce47224cdcb0**

The total price of $978 will be divided into two payments:

The first payment is a $400 deposit (or $422 for Magic supporters) due October 5, 2025.
The second payment of $578 will be due December 7, 2025.

Payments can be made either via Zelle (bhsmusicboost@gmail.com) or via check (see info below). For either payment option, be sure to include the name of your student in the memo.

Please send the deposit check of $400 made out to BHS Music Boosters to:

Cameryn Erickson

823 Crossway Road

Burlingame, CA 94010

If you have questions, please direct them to:

Scholarship/financial support: Mrs. Yamamoto (kyamamoto@smuhsd.org)

Payment processing issues only: Cameryn Erickson (cameryn.erickson@gmail.com)

All other matters: Elizabeth Kendall (elizkendall@gmail.com) or Eileen Conway (scoutpr@gmail.com)

Home Football Games

The Pep Band plays at all home football games. Families who would like to attend must have a ticket to enter. In lieu of individual tickets, consider buying a Family Pass from the Athletic Boosters for $100 (includes 2 adults & 2 pre-high school students for football and basketball games). Please visit their website for more information.

Football Game Dates

Aug 29
Sept 12
Sept 19
Oct 10
Oct 24 (Marching Band Night Show)
Nov 8 (Saturday, Little Big Game @ SMHS)

2026 Disney Tour

We are so excited for the Disney tour! For all participants please remember that your deposit is due on October 5th. Here are the details of payments:

www.travelinsured.com/group.signup?group=163507&guid=f899b49eac3444349602ce47224cdcb0**

The total price of $978 will be divided into two payments:

The first payment is a $400 deposit (or $422 for Magic supporters) due October 5, 2025.
The second payment of $578 will be due December 7, 2025.

Payments can be made either via Zelle (bhsmusicboost@gmail.com) or via check (see info below). For either payment option, be sure to include the name of your student in the memo.

Please send the deposit check of $400 made out to BHS Music Boosters to:

Cameryn Erickson

823 Crossway Road

Burlingame, CA 94010

If you have questions after reading through this, please direct questions to:

- Mrs. Yamamoto (kyamamoto@smuhsd.org) for scholarship/financial support

- Cameryn Erickson (cameryn.erickson@gmail.com) for payment processing issues only

- Elizabeth Kendall (elizkendall@gmail.com) or Eileen Conway (scoutpr@gmail.com) for all other matters

While the deadline was September 21, you can still use this link to sign up for the tour, which will take place February 13-16, 2026.

2025-2026 Calend

Recent Events

Broadway Pet Parade

9-27-25

Stanford Band Day

9-13-25

BHS Music Potluck
9-9-25

Spring Concert
4-30-25

Concert Video!

Thank you Alex Karanov for producing the amazing video of our spring concert!!!! Alex has filmed all of the concert from every angle and has been editing this until 5:30am this morning!!! We had some tech issues with sounds but Alex made some adjustments so every soloists are heard regardless of those difficulties. Also, want to give another shoutout to Rohan Shah for great lighting!

Play a Thon
4-12-25

Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra CMEA 2025

Disney Tour
2-14-25

Disney Performance Tour

If you have photos or videos from the Disney Tour, please upload them to this shared album.

CMEA Jazz Festival
1-31-25

Jazz Ensemble Receives a Unanimous Superior rating at the CMEA Jazz Festival!

Congratulations!! On Friday, January 31, the BHS Jazz Ensemble performed at the California Music Educators Association Jazz Festival and received a unanimous superior rating for their performance as well as sight-reading!

Thank you so much for supporting our amazing musicians!

Stanford Jazz Fest 12-07-24

Saturday, 12/7: Stanford Jazz Festival

Our very own Jazz Ensemble will be performing today at the Stanford Jazz Festival. SJW (Stanford Jazz Workshop) has provided a livestream link for all the performances at the link below. Please feel free to share and be sure to watch BHS perform today at 2:30pm.

Livestream link: https://stanfordjazz.org/sjw-jazz-festival-fall-2024/

WinterFest 12-06-24

(Photos/Videos Coming Soon)

Winter Concert 12-04-24

Burlingame High School's talented bands, strings, and choir host a magical evening of music!

Special Thanks to Alex Karanov who pulled double duty on Wednesday night and videoed the Winter Concert as well as performed in the Concert Band! Please enjoy the video Alex created below.

Thank you to all the Winter Concert volunteers who helped check in ticket holders and sell baked goods! Special thanks to: Jenny R., Eileen C., Ruth S., Suzanne L, Leslie T., Jill S. Julia K., Olive O., Jung L., Birte S., Karen J., Tricia T., Olga K., and Alvin V. Also, special thanks to Ms. Yamamoto and Maree H. for marketing the event!