Music at William S. Hart High School

William S. Hart High School was recognized as a California Distinguished Arts School in 2013, highlighting the school’s commitment to excellence in arts education. The instrumental music department offers a diverse and rigorous program that includes Marching Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Winter Drum Line, Concert Percussion Ensemble, Music Technology, AP Music Theory, and Colorguard. Since its restructuring in 2000, the department has consistently provided students with a well-rounded music education, emphasizing concert performance and solo & ensemble experiences.

 

Hart Regiment

The Hart Regiment has earned the title of Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Marching Band Champion in its division an unprecedented fifteen times—more than any other ensemble since the championship’s inception in 2002. The Regiment has also been a consistent finalist at Bands of America (BOA) Regional Championships since 2002. In 2007, they were semifinalists at their first appearance at the BOA Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, IN.

At the 2009 BOA Southern California Regional, the Regiment was named the 3A Class Champion and received the High Music Award. They have also earned medals at numerous Marching Band Open Series (MBOS) Championships since its inception in 2008. Beyond competition, the Regiment has recorded music for the NBC television series Friday Night Lights and has been featured in national commercials for Bounty Paper Towels and Conan O’Brien.

 

In the fall of 2010, the Regiment moved into a state-of-the-art, $3 million music facility. This building was featured in the Wenger Corporation catalog, The Construction Specifier, and several case studies on music facility construction.

 

Colorguard

The Hart Colorguard has a proud history of excellence and achievement. From 2022 to 2025, they earned gold medals as WGASC Champions and WGI Regional Champions. They also received gold medals at the WGASC Championships in 2011 and 2013, and silver medals in 2009 and 2010. At the WGI Western Colorguard Championships, the group was a silver medalist in both 2011 and 2012. The Colorguard has also received numerous High Auxiliary Awards at SCSBOA Marching Band Championships, honoring their outstanding performance and showmanship.

Percussion Ensemble

The Hart Percussion Ensemble has performed in concerts with renowned artists such as Naoko Takada and Michael Daugherty. Each year, the ensemble presents a dedicated concert featuring classic and contemporary works written specifically for concert percussion.

 

Jazz Band

The Hart Jazz Band performs regularly at the RK Downs Jazz Festival and throughout the Santa Clarita Valley at community and charitable events. The ensemble has also performed at prestigious venues such as Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and the United Nations in New York City. They have earned numerous ensemble and soloist awards at festivals throughout Southern California.

 

Wind Ensemble

The Wind Ensemble has consistently earned Superior ratings and has been featured at multiple SCSBOA Regional Festivals and the Western Band Association Concert Band Festival. The ensemble performed at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, IN, in 2003, 2007, and 2014. Their national appearances also include Carnegie Hall (2005), the Disney Honors Festival in Orlando, FL (2006 and 2011), and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (2009). In 2007, the Wind Ensemble was one of just two ensembles invited to perform at the 50th Annual California Band Directors Association Convention.

 

Student Achievement

Hart music students frequently comprise the majority of the Hart District Honor Band, often earning first chair placements. Many also participate in State and National Honor Bands, as well as District and Regional Solo & Ensemble Festivals—regularly returning with Superior ratings.

The Hart High School music program continues to nurture talent, foster artistic excellence, and prepare students for lifelong engagement in the arts.