Throughout the year, our musicians will have exciting news and events to share with our community.  Please check back often!

"Virtual Spring Concert"

Despite the impact of distance learning that led to the cancellation of our final concert of the 2019-20 academic year, our young musicians came through in fine style!  Please enjoy the "Virtual Spring Concert" featuring our three concert bands, three string orchestras, and jazz band!

---

Samohi Orchestra "Festival"

The JAMS Philharmonic Orchestra and the 8th grade musicians from the JAMS Symphony and String Orchestras were treated to an exciting day to "preview" their future opportunities in the Santa Monica High School Orchestra program.  Everyone was inspired and moved by the performances of the Samohi Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra!

---

JAMS Musicians Honored!

Congratulations to the following JAMS musicians for auditioning and being accepted into these prominent honor groups:  

2020 Southern California School Band Association All-Southern Jr. High Honor Band:
Adam Bloom, percussion, 8th grade
Molly Brady, violin, 8th grade
Ryan Chen, alto saxophone, 8th grade
Connor McKeown, clarinet, 8th grade
Sarah Moeller, bass, 8th grade
Cassidy Walther, cello, 8th grade

These six students were among 1000+ musicians in the southern California region to audition and be selected to participate in this prestigious event.  The All-Southern honor groups are scheduled to perform on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency in Garden Grove as a featured highlight of the SCSBOA annual conference.


2020 California Band Directors Association All-State Jr. High Honor Bands:
Max Bernstein, percussion, 7th grade
Holly Childs, clarinet, 7th grade
Connor McKeown, clarinet, 8th grade
Dalia Puchalt, clarinet, 7th grade
Joshua Tang, clarinet, 8th grade
Franziska Wandschneider, clarinet, 7th grade

2020 California Orchestra Directors Association All-State Jr. High Honor Orchestra:
Sarah Moeller, bass, 8th grade

These seven All-State students were among 2,600+ California musicians who participated in the audition process.  They will be rehearsing and performing in Fresno on Feb. 20-23 as a part of the California All-State Music Education Conference, the annual statewide music educators conference.  

Congratulations to our young musicians - JAMS is very proud!
​

---

JAMS Performing Arts Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

It's official!  On Wednesday, August 28th, the new JAMS Performing Arts Center Groundbreaking Ceremony took place.  Community members representing the SMMUSD Board of Education and Santa Monica College were present along with JAMS Principal Steve Richardson, SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati, and student performers and speakers.

Projected completion of the 750-seat performance venue, rehearsal space, and choir room is January 2021.