Welcome to the Cerritos High School Music Program Family.
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Fill out an interest form.
Tell us a little about yourself, and help us connect.
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The Band App has schedules, updates, photos and more.
Enroll in the right classes.
Marching Band+ Advanced Concert Band
AND one of:
Wind Ensemble, Percussion, Color Guard, or Jazz
NO PE!
FAQs
Is marching band required?
1
Yes. At Cerritos High School, marching band is a core part of the instrumental music experience—not an optional add-on. All band students participate in marching band during the fall season.
This creates a unified experience, accelerates musical growth, and builds a strong program culture.
NOTE:
Because marching band fulfills the physical education requirement, students do NOT need to take PE during the school day.
This means:
An extra elective period in your schedule
More flexibility for AP, honors, or additional classes
More opportunities to explore other interests
Can I still take AP or honors classes?
2
Yes. Many students take multiple AP and honors classes while participating in band.
Because marching band replaces PE, students actually gain more flexibility in their schedule, and most years, at least one valedictorian is from the band program.
What if I’m involved in other activities?
3
Many students participate in sports, clubs, and other programs.
Communication is key, and we work with students to help them balance their commitments. Some fall sports are hard to accommodate, but ask, and we can explore if it will work.
What if I’m not that good yet?
4
That’s completely normal!
“You don’t have to be a good player to join—you’ll improve.”
We teach you everything you need to succeed. Education is at the heart of the program. As long as you are putting in effort, asking questions, and practicing, we’d love to have you in the program. Occasionally, we even get students who have never played an instrument before, and with patience and hard work, they quickly integrate into the program.
What about cost?
We work with every family to make participation possible. Fundraising opportunities and support are available.
5
Is it worth it?
Students consistently describe band as one of the most meaningful parts of their high school experience.
“I made my closest friends in band.”
“It became the part of my day I always looked forward to.”
“It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school.”
Band is more than a class—it’s a community, a challenge, and an experience that stays with you long after high school.
6
Myths and Misconceptions
Many incoming students have concerns about joining a high school band program, specifically a marching band program. Here are some common misconceptions, and what students in the program think about them.
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Band is a structured commitment—similar to athletics.
Students quickly learn how to manage their time, and many find it becomes the most rewarding part of their schedule.
What our students say:
“Band is a lot of work… but it turns into something you look forward to every day.”
“The commitment is crazy but all worth it in the end.”
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Band actually helps students succeed academically.
Students build time management skills, discipline, and strong study habits that carry into all of their classes.
What our students say:
“Band helped me develop good habits for my studies.”
“I learned how to manage my time a lot better.”
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It is challenging—but that’s where growth happens.
Students are supported every step of the way by staff and student leaders. We are teachers first, and student education and growth is at the heart of what we do.
What our students say:
“You don’t have to be a good player to join—you’ll improve.”
“The growth I experienced far exceeded what I thought was possible.”
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Some days are long—but those are often the most memorable.
The challenge is what makes the experience meaningful.
What our students say:
“It’s so much work… but easily the most fun you will ever have in high school.”