Serra's Music Program
Serra's music curriculum features three performing groups: Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and Men's Chorus. All courses are accepted by the University of California as fulfillment of their Visual and Performing Arts entrance requirement. In addition, Serra's music courses are closely aligned with California State University standards in music and are designed to meet the needs of serious music students, as well as those wishing to explore music for the first time.
Current Opportunities
Jazz Band
This is an elite group of musicians who must submit an audition and be selected.
Instruments include flute*, clarinet*, alto sax*, tenor sax*, bari sax*, trumpet*, trombone*, bass*, drum set*, percussion*, piano, guitar, violin, viola and cello.
*Must also enroll in Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band
This group is for students who have at least one year of experience on their instrument. They perform at many functions, including concerts, festivals, football and basketball games.
Instruments accepted: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone/ euphonium, tuba, and percussion.
Tri-School Choir
Currently this group is offered once a week, after school for 90 minutes. However, we are hopeful that the Tri-School Choir will become a part of the school day in 2022-2023.
Orchestra Club
This is a new club that was started this year which invites all instruments to join. Members meet once a week after school for 60-90 minutes.
Joe Murphy
Music Director
Serra is proud to welcome Joe Murphy as its new music director this year. Murphy brings with him more than 20 years of leadership experience in the educational and musical fields and has been the acclaimed band director at Tierra Linda Middle School in the San Carlos School District since 2005.
For the past 20 years, he has led symphonic bands, jazz bands, A Capella choir groups, marching bands and orchestras at the middle and high school levels.
"I am very excited to bring my skills to Serra," Murphy said. "I possess the specific skills and experience necessary to teach the variety of music classes that are offered at Serra and have a vision for where the program can grow and evolve," he said. He added he hopes to accomplish this while honoring the tradition and history of Serra's music program.