During spring break of 2023, 109 Cal Poly student musicians and Music Department faculty travelled to San Jose and San Francisco. The Cal Poly Wind Ensemble was joined by the Cal Poly Symphony on this joint excursion. Our first day included clinics and performances hosted by Evergreen Valley High School. The second day featured a concert by the San Francisco Symphony.

The tour repertoire included Intrada, 1631 by Stephen Monatague, Moorside Suite by Gustav Holst, Esprit de Corps by Robert Jager, and Chavez, 1927 by Giovanni Santos.

Friday was a full itinerary of travel, work with our high school student hosts, sound checks and performances. Our hosts--preparing for their own tour the following weekend--provided a generous lunch upon arrival.

Attending the concert were area residents of San Jose, including student musicians from area schools. A number of our Cal Poly music alumni also made it to our early-evening concert!

Much of the second day was free for students to enjoy the sights in San Francisco. The itinerary concluded with a performance of Gustav Mahler's Sixth Symphony, prsented by the San Francisco Symphony under the leadership of Michael Tilson Thomas.

On behalf of the students and faculty of the Cal Poly Bands, we want to express our appreciation to the College of Liberal Arts and Cal Poly Instructionally Related Activities program for their support and to the Cal Poly faculty who provided exam accommodations that made it possible for our students to travel!