NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL

Northgate High School’s award-winning Jazz Bands 1 and 2 return to the stage at Yoshi’s Oakland, bringing a dynamic and energetic performance that showcases some of the finest young jazz musicians in the Bay Area. Under the direction of Mr. Roberto Garcia-Leiva, the Northgate Jazz Band 1 has earned top honors at some of California’s most prestigious jazz festivals such as Folsom Jazz Festival, Campana Jazz Festival, “Unanimous Superior” Ratings at CMEA Festival, and numerous Command Performances at the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival. In 2023, they were also the winners of the inaugural California Jazz Championships in Folsom, CA, beating out schools from all over the West Coast.

Jazz Band II enables developing students to perform and build fundamental improvisational skills in a rigorous and supportive jazz environment. These students are the future of the program, and they bring positivity and joy to audiences all over. This group has earned many honors and awards at several jazz festivals and competitions, including an “Excellent” Rating at the 2026 CMEA Jazz Festival, 2nd Place at the 2026 Campana Jazz Festival in their division, and a Command Performance at the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival. Jazz Band II has also participated in community events with the Big Band of Rossmoor and at the Mt. Diablo Music Education Foundation's Music Festival.

Other accolades for the program include a Downbeat Magazine award for Large Jazz Ensemble, individual student awards for outstanding soloists/musicianship, music scholarships, and placements in district, county, state, and national honor bands such as Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, NYO-Jazz, and the YoungArts National Competition. We are so incredibly proud of the hard work that our students put in, and we hope you can come and experience it for yourself. The Northgate HS Jazz Program has performed at Yoshi's for over 15 years and is excited to be back for a night of exceptional music, as they continue their legacy of excellence on the iconic Yoshi’s stage!