About THE BAND PROGRAM

We are honored to represent the City of San Luis Obispo, California as we compete and perform in our local community and across the state. We thank all who support us at home and abroad and we invite you to any of our performances.

The Tiger Band organization is comprised of the San Luis High School Marching Band, Concert Band, Color Guard, Drumline, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.

The Tiger Band program is one of the largest student organizations on campus. Every band member puts in hundreds of hours of rehearsal to better themselves and the ensemble as a whole. In doing so they learn the value of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

Laguna Middle School is our feeder school into San Luis Obispo High and is also supported by our Band Booster, SLOIMBA, to ensure access to quality music education.

Did you Know?

San Luis Obispo High School organized its first band in 1926, under the direction of Mr. Metcalf. Two years later, an orchestra consisting of 24 pieces was added to the Instrumental Music Department. These ensembles were an important part of the early years of the high school, providing music for football and basketball games, as well as school plays. The marching band made annual trips in the late 1930s and early 1940s to San Francisco to play at the East-West Shrine Game.

During the 1950s, a dance band was formed to provide music for school dances. The 1960s brought the addition of a Pep Band for basketball games, and a “Tigerette” drill team to perform with the marching band. The name “Tiger Band” was coined and made official in 1967 by then-director Mr. Latzer. In 1975, director Mr. Lyle Stubson formed a jazz band on campus. Stage band and orchestra provided music for spring musicals through the late 1970s.

Former band directors include: Mr. Metcalf, Mr. Riedel, Carl Loveland, Robert Grindle, Mr. Latzer, Mr. Letson, Lyle Stubson, and Al Streder. The current band director is Sharon Jeskey who came to SLO High School in the 2003-2004 school year.  Since then the marching band has added a color guard and grown to more than 110 members (and it’s still growing!).