Gary Solt, Associate Dean of MI’s Bachelor of Music program, recently paid a return visit to LA’s Chaminade High School, where he conducted a clinic for the jazz ensemble.   Solt said," The Chaminade band gets better each time I hear them!  [Director] Chad Smith is doing a great job in making them one of the best bands in the LA area." 

The comprehensive instrumental music program at Chaminade, located in the West Hill’s area of the San Fernando Valley, includes four jazz combos, two jazz big bands, and a percussion ensemble, among others. The Jazz Studies Program includes year-round ensembles providing each student with experience in both big bands and small combos to augment their development in repertoire, improvisation and ear training. Ensembles perform regularly on campus for open houses, alumni events, masses, the spring festival trip, and winter and spring concerts.