Welcome To BHS IMA

Welcome to the Instrumental Music Program at Burbank High School and our parent support organization, the IMA Boosters!  The IMA Boosters is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the band, orchestra, and jazz band programs at BHS.  This will be a challenging and exciting year, one that merges our long-standing traditions with a new organizational structure.  But with the support of the students and the parent Boosters, the BHS IMA promises to continue to provide our students with opportunity for exceptional musical growth and enrichment. 

The Burbank HS IMA program consists of three strands: Band, Orchestra, and Jazz.  Within each of these areas, there are a variety of classes at different levels, designed to meet the needs of as many students as possible.  There is also an AP Music Theory class for the most advanced students who wish to understand the theory and structure behind the music they perform in their ensembles.  What follows are brief statements of philosophy and purpose to establish the guiding principles used to structure the program.  Then there are descriptions of each strand of the program, broken down in detail.  This is designed to help everyone understand how our department is organized and how it works.

The 2011-12 BHSIMA President is Chuck Itagaki.

Who am I?

I am a 3^rd generation (Sansei) Japanese American, born and raised in the Los Angeles area. My family has resided in Burbank for 16 years. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Linda Takahashi, and we’ve been together for 30 years. (And married for 24+ years) Our three sons have either graduated from Burbank High School, or are currently attending Burbank High School.

I’m currently employed at the best film & television studio in the world, located right here in Burbank. I’ve worked at Warner Bros. for 14+ years in International Operations and Planning with various responsibilities in the International Home Entertainment Forecasting & Finance areas.

Prior to Warner Bros., I worked for 10 years at Litton Data Systems, a defense contractor that was merged into Northrop Grumman. At Litton, I worked in Accounting, and in Programs Finance performing cost/schedule analysis and working with the project team of engineers and military personnel.

Why am I involved with BHS IMA Boosters?

When I was asked to help out with Boosters, I thought it was only fair that I carve out time to support the IMA program, especially after witnessing first hand the great experiences my sons have had with our program. I also knew there are so many other parents that willingly volunteer their time to help make our IMA program the best it can be.

My oldest son is a recent BHS graduate & some of his most cherished high school memories & best friends were associated with the IMA program. My observation as a parent is that BHS IMA is great at integrating kids across all grades, ages, & backgrounds into a cohesive unit.

Where else do I volunteer?

I’m currently involved as Head Co-Commissioner in the Athletics organization at the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center. SF Athletics is non-profit organization, and provides for the young (Kindergarten - High School) girls and boys of the San Fernando Valley Japanese Community Center sports activities to promote sportsmanship & athletic skills, instill the discipline of team work, & the meaning of responsibility.

Over the past 8 years with SF Athletics, I have served as Boys Commissioner, coached multiple basketball teams & coached in the Yonsei Goodwill games, and served on the Crescent Bay Optimist Sports League board.

Anything else?

In my spare time, I enjoy providing transportation to the BHS Cross Country and Track teams as needed. In my free time, my passions are running half-marathons, mountain biking, visiting Disneyland, & watching the Lakers.

For questions or to volunteer contact me at  csitagaki@aol.com