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 established itself as one of Southern California's most accomplished high school marching bands, earning 16 Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Marching Band Championships since the championship's inception in 2002. The Regiment has also been a consistent finalist at Bands of America (BOA) Regional Championships, including a semifinalist appearance at the 2007 BOA Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana.

At the 2009 BOA Southern California Regional, the Regiment earned the Class 3A Championship and High Music Award. The ensemble has also received numerous awards at Marching Band Open Series (MBOS) Championships.

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 provides students with opportunities to explore a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary percussion literature. The ensemble has performed alongside renowned artists including Naoko Takada and composer Michael Daugherty. Each year, the ensemble presents a dedicated percussion concert featuring both traditional and innovative works written specifically for percussion instruments.

 

Jazz Band

he Hart Jazz Band has a proud tradition of musical excellence, offering students opportunities to explore jazz through performance, improvisation, and ensemble collaboration. The group regularly participates in the RK Downs Jazz Festival and performs throughout the Santa Clarita Valley at community and charitable events. The Jazz Band's distinguished performance history includes appearances at the United Nations in New York City and Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, providing students with memorable musical experiences beyond the classroom. The ensemble has also earned numerous ensemble and individual soloist awards at festivals throughout Southern California.

 

The Hart Wind Ensemble has established a distinguished tradition of musical excellence, consistently earning Superior ratings at concert festivals throughout Southern California. The ensemble has been featured at numerous Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Regional Festivals and the Western Band Association Concert Band Festival.

The Wind Ensemble's national performance history includes appearances at the prestigious Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2003, 2007, and 2014. The ensemble has also performed at some of the nation's most celebrated venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City (2005) and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (2009).

Additional national appearances include the Disney Honors Festival in Orlando, Florida, in 2006 and 2011. In 2007, the Hart Wind Ensemble was one of only two ensembles invited to perform at the 50th Annual California Band Directors Association Convention, further recognizing the program's outstanding musicianship.

Wind Ensemble

 

Student Achievement

Students in the William S. Hart High School instrumental music program consistently demonstrate outstanding musicianship and dedication to excellence. Hart musicians regularly comprise a significant portion of the Hart District Honor Band, frequently earning principal chair positions and recognition for their exceptional abilities.

Beyond the district level, Hart students have been selected to participate in prestigious regional, California All-State, and national honor ensembles, performing alongside some of the nation's most accomplished young musicians.

Students also participate in District and Regional Solo & Ensemble Festivals, regularly earning Superior ratings for their individual and small-ensemble performances. These opportunities encourage students to develop independence, musical expression, and advanced performance skills.

Through a commitment to artistic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong musicianship, the Hart music program continues to prepare students for success both on and off the stage.