SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL (Samohi) has a long tradition of musical excellence. There are several factors that contribute to the strength of the music programs at Samohi, which include a consistent elementary and middle school feeder program, a community supportive of the arts, dedicated parents, a Fine Arts Coordinator, and enthusiastic administrative and district support.

The Samohi Symphony was founded in 1903, making the 05/06 school year its 103rd anniversary. In 1992 and in 1994, the Symphony Orchestra took part in the International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. In 1996, the Symphony was featured at the International Festival of Youth Orchestras in Valencia, Spain, the only high school orchestra to be so honored. In 1999, the Santa Monica High School Symphony Orchestra was chosen to perform at the 53rd Annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and in 2002 the Symphony performed at Carnegie Hall.

More recently, in 2004, the orchestra participated in the Dvorák Centenary Festival in the Czech Republic. The Samohi Symphony performed at the Rudolfinum in Prague as well as in Brno, Nelahozeves, and Vienna. In 2005, the Samohi Symphony received First Place at the American String Teachers Association with National School Orchestra Association (ASTA with NSOA) National Orchestra Festival in Reno, Nevada.

The Santa Monica High School Symphony is proud to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall and is grateful to the Los Angeles Philharmonic for its kind invitation and support.