WHERE STUDENTS BECOME
MUSICIANS
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From the first notes to final bows, our ensembles are where the magic happens. Whether you're exploring your voice in choir or mastering your instrument in band, these programs provide the foundation, challenge, and community that transform students into confident.
LOS OSOS
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Middle School CHOIRS
Voices Rising, Confidence Building
Our middle school vocal programs provide students with their first taste of choral excellence. With separate programs designed to meet students where they are, these ensembles build both musical skills and personal confidence.
Beginning Choir (6th, 7th, 8th Grade, Open to All - No Experience Needed) - The foundation of our vocal program, where students develop fundamental musicianship and vocal technique through quality choral repertoire. From learning to match pitch to discovering the joy of blended voices, this ensemble welcomes every student ready to explore their vocal potential. Required performances provide goals and showcase growth throughout the year.
Advanced Middle School Choir (7th, 8th Grade, By Audition and Teacher Recommendation) - Ready to take it up a notch? This select ensemble dives deeper into advanced vocal techniques, challenging repertoire, and enhanced performance opportunities. Students experience festival participation, public performances, choreography, and even performance tours—building skills that prepare them for high school programs and beyond.
Middle School BANDS
Where Nearly One in Four Students Find Their Sound
The LOMS band program is thriving—with almost 25% of our middle schoolers choosing to make music part of their daily routine. These aren't just music classes; they're launching pads for lifelong musical journeys. From beginners picking up their first instrument to advanced players earning unanimous superior ratings at festivals, our three-tiered program grows with each student.
Recent highlights? Our advanced ensemble swept the Cal Poly Wind Festival with perfect scores, and our bands have brought their talents to iconic venues like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott's Berry Farm. Not bad for middle schoolers!
Beginning Band (6th Grade) - Every musical journey starts with the basics, and that's exactly what makes this program special. Students dive into musical literacy, master proper technique, and learn the art of productive rehearsal. Meeting together once weekly for full ensemble magic, then splitting into instrument family groups the other four days for personalized attention. Three major performances throughout the year—winter, spring, and district concerts—give students the chance to showcase their growing skills.
Concert Band (7th Grade) - Ready to step up? Our 7th graders continue developing their instrumental skills while tackling more challenging repertoire. This ensemble focuses on accuracy, tone quality, and musical expression while building the reading skills that will serve students throughout their musical lives. Performance opportunities provide the motivation and goals that keep students engaged and growing.
Advanced Band (8th Grade) -This is where the magic happens. Reserved for students who've demonstrated musical excellence or successfully auditioned, the Advanced Band dives deep into diverse literature spanning multiple cultures, styles, and historical periods. These musicians don't just play notes—they develop true musicianship through challenging repertoire and high-level performance opportunities. It's no wonder they're bringing home those unanimous superior ratings.
MORRO BAY
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
High School CHOIRS
Where Individual Voices Become Something Greater
Our high school choral program builds serious musicians while fostering a love for vocal artistry. With college-preparatory standards and performance opportunities that challenge and inspire, these ensembles prepare students for lifelong musical engagement—whether as future professionals or passionate music lovers.
Concert Choir (9th - 12th Grade, By Audition or Teacher Recommendation) - This intermediate to advanced ensemble welcomes students who can match pitch accurately and sing with developing sensitivity and skill. Beyond regular concerts and school assemblies, students participate in adjudicated festivals where they measure their growth against state standards. The focus remains on continuous musical development—choral tone, technique, and artistic expression.
Honors Concert Choir II (10th - 12th Grade, Advanced Placement - Concert Choir I Required) - The pinnacle of our choral program approaches singing as serious college-preparatory study. Performance and music literacy standards reach the highest levels, with classical vocal technique studied and developed in depth. Students in this capstone ensemble represent the best of what dedicated vocal training can achieve.
High School BANDS
Where 25 years of Excellence Meets Fresh Innovation
Under Brynn Belyea's leadership, our high school instrumental programs have built a reputation for both musical excellence and community impact. From the 65-student Concert Band energizing Friday night football games to intimate jazz sessions, these ensembles offer something for every instrumental musician.
Recent highlights? Our breathtaking rehearsal retreats in Lake Tahoe's winter wonderland and collaborations with renowned guest artists like composer Daniel Bukvich, whose theatrical wind band compositions challenged and inspired both students and audiences.
Concert Band (9th - 12th Grade, Honors Credit for 3rd/4th Year Students) - Don't let the Friday night pep band performances fool you—this 65-member ensemble specializes in high-level symphonic band literature that showcases technical skill and artistic maturity. Students experience the full spectrum of wind band repertoire while building the ensemble skills that make great music possible.
Jazz Band (9th - 12th Grade, Honors Credit for 3rd/4th Year Students) - From swing to funk to Latin rhythms, this ensemble explores the rich diversity of American jazz traditions. Performing at major concerts plus school and community events throughout the year, jazz band students develop improvisation skills, stylistic awareness, and the rhythmic sophistication that defines great jazz musicianship.
Instrumental Music Techniques (9th - 12th Grade) - This unique program meets students exactly where they are—whether beginning their first instrument or advancing existing skills. The individualized approach allows for personalized growth and specialized attention that supports students across the instrumental spectrum.
MEET YOUR
INSTRUCTORS
The Maestros Behind the Music
Troy Kutch
Middle School Band Director
The Brass Master with a Mission
Troy Kutch doesn't just teach music—he uses it as his tool to make the world a better place. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Education from UCLA (Magna Cum Laude, thank you very much) and a Master's in Education from ASU specializing in learning design, Mr. Kutch brings both musical excellence and educational expertise to Los Osos Middle School.
His trumpet credentials are nothing short of impressive: private studies with Jonathan Dane, Jim Mooy, and Jens Lindemann, plus lead trumpet with the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. At UCLA, he marched on scholarship and performed with award-winning ensembles including the UCLA Wind Ensemble and Trumpet & Brass Ensembles.
Since joining SLCUSD in 2019, Mr. Kutch has been building something special. His middle school bands have competed at Cal Poly, worked with reknowned clinicians, and performed at Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm. Not too shabby for a program that's still hitting its stride.
When not conducting or arranging, you'll find him hiking, rock climbing, gaming, or hanging out with his son Jack, wife Hailey, and dog Odin.
Music education philosophy: Making the world better, one student musician at a time.
Katie Bravante
Middle & High School Choir Director
The Voice that Brings Voices Together
Katie Bravante was practically born into music—growing up in a large musical family in Atascadero, she's been part of bands and choirs since 4th grade. Some people find their calling; Katie's calling found her early and never let go.
With a voice degree from Cal Poly and her M.A. and teaching credential from Chapman University, Katie brings both artistry and expertise to her programs. She began her career at Atascadero High School and Fine Arts Academy in 2002, and there's something beautifully full-circle about her story: she now teaches music in the same district where her grandfather, Milton Baer, once inspired students decades ago.
Katie joined SLCUSD in 2010, spending ten years nurturing elementary musicians before returning to secondary programs in 2019. Her choirs don't just sing—they create community, build confidence, and discover the joy that happens when individual voices unite into something bigger than themselves.
When she's not directing rehearsals, you'll find Katie walking her Atascadero neighborhood, hiking local trails, practicing yoga, or tending to her garden with her husband and two children.
Music education philosophy: Choral music is
one of life's most powerful ways to make music together.
Brynn Belyea
High School Band Director
The Veteran Who Keeps Things Fresh
After 33 years in music education—25 of them right here at Morro Bay High School—Brynn Belyea still brings the energy of someone who just discovered how amazing it is to watch teenagers fall in love with music.
Armed with a Bachelor of Music from University of New Hampshire and Masters from Southern Oregon University, Brynn leads an impressive array of programs at MBHS. His saxophone expertise anchors it all, though he's quick to note his performance resume is more about substance than celebrity—wind ensembles, saxophone quartets, and some New Hampshire big band substituting that kept his chops sharp.
What sets Brynn's program apart? The guest artist residencies that bring nationally recognized composers directly to MBHS students, giving them firsthand insight into professional music-making.
When not on the podium, Brynn can be found hiking, jogging, watching sports (probably too much, by his own admission), or in his therapeutic garden, growing vegetables that make their way into his home cooking adventures. He shares life with his wife Meena and their dog Mimi—whose shelter name happened to be Meena too.
Music education philosophy: My goal is for students to leave high school knowing that everyone can be a lifelong music lover.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Our Musicians in Action
From the focused concentration of rehearsals to the electric energy of performance night, these moments capture what it's all about. See our students doing what they love most—making music together.
LOMS Advanced Band
Performing Zoom! by Ayatey Shabazz
2024_LOMS-Choir_HolidayConcert.mp4LOMS Choir
Performing All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff
MBHS Jazz Band
Performing Rainbow Connection by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher with Lani Uyeda
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