Who We Are
The San Jose Metropolitan Band (SJMB) is a community concert band made up of more than 50 members of all ages. Our group provides an opportunity for South Bay residents to participate in large ensemble playing while also serving the community. We give performances all around the Santa Clara Valley, playing a mix of symphonic classics, show tunes, big band, contemporary works, marches, and seasonal music.
Our mission, as stated in the band bylaws:
to promote and develop an instrumental concert band;
to provide musical instruction for members and the public; and
to present concerts before the public.
Our Conductor
Chris Nalls is Director of Instrumental Music at Branham High School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Horn performance from San Jose State University and has worked with musicians at Saratoga, Lynbrook, Homestead, Branham, Independence, Oak Grove, and San Jose State University (among others). He has studied conducting with Vernon Read, Michael Haithcock, and Mallory Thompson.
As a performer, he plays in the Golden Gate Park Band, Awesome Orchestra, Cambrian Symphony, Halkins Brass, and Aeolus Woodwind Quintet. He has been a member of the Ohlone Bands for over 20 years.
In a past life, Chris Nalls was part of the rise of Silicon Valley, working at iconic companies like Apple Computer, Netscape Communications, America Online, and Symantec.
Our History
Founded in 1967, the San Jose Metropolitan Band (SJMB) has provided over 50 years of community service to the Santa Clara Valley. Over the years the band has performed for social and civic organizations, community activities, conventions, and charitable causes in the Bay Area. Especially popular with audiences are the patriotic concerts for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July parade, and our Christmas performances. Some of the Band's regular annual clients include Los Gatos Memorial Park, San Jose's Metropolitan Adult Education Program (MAEP), and Help One Child.
The San Jose Metropolitan Band is proud to be of service to the communities of the Silicon Valley and surrounding areas.