Serra's three performing groups participate in a variety of festivals. Non-competitive festivals are frequently referred to as "Comments Only" festivals, where a group performs for judges but instead of receiving a score or rating, they receive constructive comments live, on stage in the form of a mini clinic.

At competitive festivals like CMEA (California Music Education Association), groups are judged, scored and rated. The competition involves having bands or choirs perform a short set (usually three numbers) for a panel of three adjudicators, all of whom are music educators from around the state. Groups are rated on things like musicality, technique, expression, and discipline (jazz bands are also rated on the quality of their improvised solos) and then given a composite score that translates to categories like "Good (70 - 79)," "Excellent (80 - 89)," or the highest rating, "Superior (90 - 100)."

Performing groups then move to a different location, where they must "sight-read" for a fourth adjudicator—a process that involves playing or singing a piece in its entirety that they have never seen before. Symphonic and jazz band directors are given five minutes to talk about the piece to the band.

However, members are not allowed to play—or even sing—any of the parts during this time. The competing bands then play the unfamiliar piece from start to finish, trying to play it as close to perfect as possible. Choirs, on the other hand, are given five minutes to actually rehearse the piece before singing it straight through a capella (without accompaniment). The sight-reading judge rates the band or choir in a similar fashion to the other three judges and also assigns a rating. Bands who receive "Superior" ratings from all four judges are given the coveted "Unanimous Superior" designation.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Through more than 4,500 chartered chapters, Tri-M has helped thousands of young people provide years of service through music in schools throughout the world. 

Tri-M shares and supports the objectives of every dedicated music educator—to increase student and school involvement with music and to make a stronger and more unified school music program. Tri-M offers a complete system of rewards that help inspire students and recognize excellence in individuals and chapters. With this system, the society builds self-esteem and provides a channel of personal fulfillment.

Tri-M is a program of NAfME, The National Association for Music Education, the largest non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of music education. Through its many programs, activities, publications, and conferences, NAfME addresses all aspects of music education and works to ensure that every student can be a part of a balanced, comprehensive, and high quality program of music instruction.

Tri-M was founded in 1936 by Alexander and Frances Harley, incorporated and renamed Modern Music Masters in 1952, and in 1983 recognized as the Tri-M Music Honor Society, a program of MENC: The National Association for Music Education.

Since 1944, Serra has always had a thriving music program. It is remarkable to note that during the school's 70-year history, there only have been three music directors. John Catalano, a professional musician and multi-instrumentalist, was the school’s first music teacher. In 1956, Catalano formed several performing groups that established Serra’s musical presence, including a mandolin band, a banjo band and several jazz combos. "Cat" (as he was affectionately known) laid the groundwork for the music program and left a legacy of inspired musicians who fondly remember his talent, caring attitude and the mischievous gleam in his eye. Catalano led the program until 1970, when he suddenly died at a gig after suffering a heart attack.

With large shoes to fill, the music program was next handed to a Catalano product, Phil Garay (‘68) whose diminutive stature belied his enormous talent. For the next six years, Garay built powerhouse music and drama programs, staging spectacular concerts and musicals that became the talk of the Peninsula. This excitement was captured on the album "The One and Only Serra Band," Garay’s trademark moniker for Serra’s premier performing group.

Students who had signed up for classes with Mr. Garay in the Fall of 1977 were surprised to be greeted by Jay Jordan, a twenty-three year old trumpet player fresh out of San Jose State University. Since then Jordan has tried hard to both live up his predecessors’ standards and to reshape the music program into a multifaceted academic department that caters to the needs of all Serra students.