Our Approach
Goals of the Sonora High School Instrumental Music Program
The Sonora High School Instrumental Music Program is dedicated to
*providing high quality instruction in order to promote a strong music foundation for its students,
*strengthening social and life skills of its members,
*improving individual performance and ensemble skills of members,
*creating a sense of family among members,
*building a lifelong love of learning and making music,
*producing a safe and positive learning environment for each student,
*developing strong leaders and productive members of tomorrow’s society.
Music Students will:
*strengthen musically, socially, and civically,
*increase their critical thinking and aesthetic awareness,
*demonstrate character, personal integrity, respect, and self-discipline,
*uphold an exemplary image on and off the field and stage.
Our Story
Sonora High School is very active in the music community. The music department includes the Raider Regiment Marching Band, Winter Guard, Winter Percussion Ensemble, and more!
The Sonora High School Band is a 501(c)3 Non-profit Organization. TAX EIN: 33-0739545
Meet the Staff
The Sonora High School music department is comprised of dedicated teachers and staff members.
Jerome Diebolt
Music Director
Mr. Diebolt graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego before attending Cal State Fullerton. He graduated from CSUF Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Arts in Music Education in 2001. He received his teaching credential the next year while student teaching at El Dorado High School and Tuffree Middle School in the Placentia-Yorba Linda School District, and completed his Master’s Degree with the American Band College at Southern Oregon University in 2007.
Mr. Diebolt took the job as Sonora’s Instrumental Music Director in 2002. His ensembles have garnered many first place awards (San Dimas Western Days Parade, Chino Band Review and Field Tournament, Kennedy Field Show, Fullerton Festival of Bands, and the La Palma Days Parade) and Superior ratings. Members of his groups have performed in London, Paris, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Tournament of Roses Parade and All-Southern and All-State Honor Bands and Orchestras. He was selected as Sonora’s Teacher of the Year in 2007.
Graduates of his program have gone on to play at many fine institutions including University of Southern California, Biola, UC Irvine, University of Oregon, Fullerton College, Mt. San Antonio College, Wheaton, Washington State, and Roosevelt University to name a few.
Mr. Diebolt
has served as an Honor Band Manager, Honor Band Auditioner, and Judge with the
Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association.
Mr. Diebolt lives in Brea with his wife Rebecca, his daughters Taylor and
Aubrey, his son Nathan, and his dog Zeppelin.
Past Band Directors:
Ray Rust: 2001 – 2002
Mike Pergola: 1993 – 2001
Mark Taber: 1990 – 1993
Rae Boeving: 1982 – 1990
Nick Papageorge: 1976 – 1982
Lynn Branson: 1975-1976
Larry Triplett: 1972 – 1975
Jack Watkins: 1966 – 1972
Rodolfo Lizardo
Rudy Lizardo began his marching career in 2013 at Sonora HS. Throughout high school he performed with the Drumline in the Raider Regiment, as well as Winterline and various other ensembles Sonora offered. Since high school, Rudy has performed in local SoCal independent marching ensembles such as Incognito Drum and Bugle Corp (2015-2016), Elan Percussion (2017-2019), Watchmen Drum and Bugle Corp (2018). Synergy Percussion (2018-2019) and most recently the Pacific Crest Tournament of Roses Ensemble for the 2019 New Year. It is Rudy’s 3rd year being battery instructor at his alma mater as of 2020 and is excited for the upcoming season. Rudy on his free time likes to enjoy meals with his friends and play tenor drums as well as eat Pho with Phillip.
Phillip Lim
Phillip Lim began his music career in 2011 at Imperial Middle School on Trumpet under the direction of Ken Hollon. He later went to Sonora High School and continued his marching/music career with the Raider Regiment, Sonora Jazz band, and Concert Band. During High School and after he participated in many outside ensembles such as Incognito Drum and Bugle Corps (2016), Watchmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2018), Gold Drum and Bugle Corps (2019), Chapman University and Mt. SAC Honor Bands, and the Southern California Ambassadors of Music Band. This is Phillip’s 1st full year being high brass instructor teaching for half a year 2017 and returning for the 2019-2020 season. Phillip is currently leading the jazz band spring of 2020 and he is very grateful for the opportunity to teach by Mr. Diebolt. Phillip is currently studying at Fullerton College as a Business major and is minoring in music education. In his free time he likes to hang out with his friends and family, as well as traveling, and eating Pho with Rudy.
Ryan Choe
Ryan started his music career under his first piano teacher in 2005. He performed for Carden Whittier’s talent show as well as choir, bell choir, and his graduation ceremony. In 2007, He moved on to his most recent instructor, Joo-Hee Kim, to continue his education in piano until 2017, taking part in the Certificate of Merit until passing advanced. Ryan began his marching career in 2013 with Sonora High Band under the direction of Jerome Diebolt, playing mallets for fall, winter and drumline. Outside of high school, he performed for Incognito Drum and Bugle corps (2016) (2018) Incognito Indoor (2019) (2020) and Synergy (2018) (2019). As of 2020, this is Ryan’s 3rd year instructing Pit and looks forward to educate generations to come. In his free time, Ryan enjoys movies, time with friends and driving to new places.