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A GUIDE TO ST. VRAIN VALLEY SCHOOLS’ PEP & MARCHING BANDS
ABOUT BAND
SVVSD BANDS
BAND SCHEDULES
Featured articles highlighting the exciting band programs within SVVSD.
Profiles of all SVVSD marching bands, pep bands and band directors.
See each high school’s band schedule throughout the school year.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE 3 STRIKE UP THE BAND 4 ERIE HIGH SCHOOL 6 FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL 8 LONGMONT HIGH SCHOOL 10 LYONS MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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ST. VRAIN BAND NIGHT 14 MEAD HIGH SCHOOL 18 NIWOT HIGH SCHOOL 20 SILVER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
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SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL 24 SEGUE TO SUCCESS 26
DON HADDAD
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Greetings St. Vrain Community: I would like to take a moment to reflect on this past year and celebrate the many successes of our students, teachers, coaches and staff. Whether in a classroom, on stage, or an athletic field, St. Vrain Valley Schools emphasize the importance of academics, collaboration, sportsmanship, and developing a well-rounded community of future leaders. In this publication, I am proud to highlight our high school marching bands as they begin the 2015-16 season. These students represent our schools on local and national stages and bring energy and excitement to so many events throughout our community. In both academic and co-curricular pursuits, our students commit themselves every day to the enrichment of our school communities. As we recognize our students for their numerous accomplishments, I would also like to honor the dedicated network of teachers, coaches, staff, and volunteers that provide outstanding leadership and support. The value that they bring to our students’ lives is significant and their positive impact extends well beyond graduation. Please join me in honoring our students and staff as they continue to excel in many ways. Sincerely, Don Haddad, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Twitter: @SVVSDSupt STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
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Above: Niwot High School performs at St. Vrain Band Night.
Strike Up the Band
The cadence of drummers and the fanfare of trumpets brings the crowd to its feet. Looking down the street in anticipation, they know the marching band is on its way! Nothing sets the mood of a parade more than the sounds from band instruments. Marching bands have a long tradition in St. Vrain Valley Schools, beginning at Longmont High School in 1922. “There is a lot of value in the traditional, home town parade and the morale that it brings the community,” said Dr. Karen Gregg, Band Director at Lyons Middle/Senior High. “A parade is a symbol of American tradition. It brings the community together.” A marching band offers more than entertainment. Participation in community events such as holiday parades or town festivals unites schools and community.
“The marching band can be an ambassador for the school or district. Students can feel that service part and get linked into their community,” said Wade Hendricks, Band Director at Niwot High School. “The community outreach we do through parades or other events shows who our school really is. Off the street, the band provides school spirit for athletes and fans during field shows and pep band performances. School events give students the excitement of performing to large audiences and the pride of representing the school community. “Marching band provides the soundtrack for a big school activity. It is a way to engage an audience in what we do,” said Joshua Kirkwood, Band Director at Mead High School. Students practice many hours during the summer and school year, working together as a team and sharing commitment toward a common goal.
“The camaraderie they build in the marching band is unique and different than in any other organization,” said Sal Martorano, retired Band Director at Longmont High School.
Below: Mead High School students prepare to perform during St. Vrain Band Night.
“It takes a lot of time and effort. They become a family and take care of each other. When they perform, it pulls everyone together after they have worked for months.” Along with music skills, students gain valuable life skills that take them far beyond the marching field. Students learn self-discipline, organization, teamwork and leadership. Many students are top academic performers in their schools. They learn to be better people and citizens. “Students in marching band are confident. They feel good about themselves, had social skills and feel good about school, life, and family,” said Martorano. “It really develops a good, strong positive self-image. Music isn’t just extra-curricular.” Music offers students an artistic outlet, but also a path to finding their strengths and passions. Marching band keeps the beat of tradition and sets a rhythm for the future.
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ERIE HIGH SCHOOL BAND SCHEDULE Fair and Rodeo Parade – 9/1 LOCOmotion Parade – 9/12 Home Football Game – 9/18 St. Vrain Band Night – 10/7 Home Football Game – 10/9 Home Football Game – 10/16 Home Football Game – 10/23 Halloween Parade – 10/31 Home Football Game – 11/6 Veterans Day Parade – 11/11 Erie Middle School – 11/11 Erie Parade of Lights – 12/4
STVRA.IN/EHSBAND
Seniors L to R: Brandon Cummings, Ryan Paterson, Forrest Hayworth, Ethan Fesmire, Anja Riedel, Chris Culley, Jordan Cartwright and Zach Hoobler Not Pictured: Bri Myers
rie High School’s band program focuses on being a vital part of the community and school culture. The Marching Band performs at all the home football games, the Fair and Rodeo Parade, St. Vrain Valley Band Night, the Homecoming Parade, the Halloween Parade, the Veterans Day Parade, all the school assemblies, Erie’s Parade of Lights as well as many basketball games as possible.
DOUG
CARMICHAEL BAND DIRECTOR
Doug Carmichael is an alumnus of Erie High School. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where
The Jazz Band performs at Erie’s Biscuit Day, the Dickens, Oskar Blues and Erie’s Town Fair. Students have a major part in the selection of the music they play. This year the marching band students voted for “I Got You,” by James Brown, “Fancy,” by Iggy Azalea and “Come out and Play,” by The Offspring.
he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education and saxophone performance. Doug has performed with the Lee Thomas Band, Mojomama, the Dale Ness Quartet, See Spot Groove, 3ology, DKO and 3rd Degree Burn, Archie Funker, the Make Shift Funk Band, the Eric Dorn Band, the Matt Pack and the
The drum line practices every Tuesday in June and July and the drum majors participate in the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy. Other facets of the instrumental music program include String Orchestra, Beginning and Advanced Guitar, Drum Class, and various music history classes. STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
John Mills Orchestra.
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FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL BAND SCHEDULE Home Football Game - 9/4 LOCOmotion Parade - 9/12 Home Football Game - 9/18 Miner’s Day Parade - 9/19 Greeley Invitational - 10/3 St. Vrain Band Night - 10/7 Home Football Game - 10/9 Home Football Game - 10/23 Veterans Day Parade - 11/11 Home Football Game - 11/16 Disney World Music Festival - 4/28 to 5/2
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Seniors L to R: Kelsi Hartman, Sarah Vasquez, Brandon Petersen, Tyler Couser, Nick Hendersen, Garrett Tone, Emily Kalvels, Sydnee Smith and Riley Scott.
rederick High School’s band program has a long history of marching. The Frederick Marching Warriors have performed across Colorado in parades and on the field. Several years ago they moved from a competitive program to a program dedicated to entertaining their audiences. The students in the Frederick Marching Warriors are active in many facets of the school with students participating in drama, nearly every sports program, cheer and the dance team.
CHRISTOPHER
THOMAS BAND DIRECTOR
Christopher Thomas is beginning his 15th year as the band director at Frederick High School and his 19th year teaching. In addition to teaching Marching Band, he also teaches Concert Band, Jazz Band, Handbell Ensemble, Guitar Class, Percussion Ensemble, Color Guard and Music Theory.
The Marching Warriors embody the well balanced music programs at Frederick High School. Students are encouraged to participate in honor groups and perform chamber and large ensemble music year round.
In his free time, Chris enjoys gardening, running, skiing and enjoys living in the community where he teaches.
The students in the Frederick Marching Warrior Band excel academically and are seen as important members for the school and Tri-Town community at large. Students of the band often receive many accolades both in and out of the subject of music. STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
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LONGMONT HIGH SCHOOL BAND SCHEDULE Home Football Game – 8/28 LOCOmotion Parade – 9/12 Home Football Game – 9/24 St. Vrain Band Night – 10/7 CU Band Night – 10/10 Home Football Game – 10/15 Jazz Band/Steel Band Concert – 10/21 Halloween Concert –10/28 Halloween Parade –10/31 Veterans Day Parade – 11/11 Concert Bands Concert –12/3 Jazz Band/Steel Band Concert – 12/9 Longmont Parade of Lights – 12/12
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Seniors Standing L to R: Kristi Johnson, Miguel Jaime, Dylan Larsen, Jacob Stine, Lazlo Stepback, Nicole Phipps, Daniel Stepanek, Hayden Keeslar, Ann McGaughey, Stephen Maher, Dallin Keller, Topanga Schriner Seniors Front Row L to R: Cullin Schmitt, Billy Cook, Laura Osborn, Dustin Esposito, Chris Bopp Not Pictured: Izaiah Anders, Colleen Bird, Michael Bradley, Dawson Fry, Connor Hayes, Brandon Julian, Austin Michon, Tony Ramos, Mitchell Thornock
ongmont High School’s Trojan Band began in 1922 when a group of ambitious students wanted to form an after-school band. It would be a few more years before a director was hired and band officially became a class. This group quickly earned the nickname, “The Pride of Longmont” and became one of the most visible ambassadors for Longmont High School and the St. Vrain community. In the years since, the Trojan Band has performed for U.S. Presidents and has traveled all over the United States and Europe. Today, the Longmont High School band program offers nine diverse performing groups and maintains the same high musicianship standards founded nearly 100 years ago. The 130 member marching band is one of the oldest and largest in the area. Band members “bleed blue” with Trojan Pride as they provide music, entertainment and spirit at sporting events, parades and exhibition events.
DAVID
MERRILL BAND DIRECTOR
David Merrill is celebrating his 15th year as the band director at Longmont High School and his 19th year teaching overall. He served on the Instrumental Music Board for the Colorado Music Educator’s Association, has numerous nominations to the Who’s Who of American Teachers and was awarded the Eleanor Venture Travel Grant by the Education Foundation for the St. Vrain Valley, so he could observe band education in Japan.
The Longmont High School Drumline earned its fifth State Championship in the Spring of 2015 and is home to Blue Steel, a steel band, and a new Mariachi Band. STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
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LYONS MIDDLE/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND SCHEDULE Home Football Game – 9/11 LOCOmotion Parade – 9/12 Home Football Game – 10/2 St. Vrain Band Night – 10/7 Home Football Game – 10/9 Homecoming – 10/16 Band Concert (Grades 6-12) – 10/22 Lyons Halloween Parade – 10/24 Jazz Band Concert – 10/28 Veterans Day Parade – 11/11 Lyons Parade of Lights – 12/5 Jazz Band Concert – 12/9 Band Concert (Grades 6-12) – 12/14 Disney World Parade – 4/6 to 4/10
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Seniors L to R: Brian Dillon, Vaughan Nagy, Ethan Melani, Peter Brookes, Malcolm Ogilvie, Mitchell Simms, Colten Thorne, Nathan Beveridge, Rebecca Reath, Lars Basey, Molly Gunhus, Veronica Cook, Ari Peyser, Sierra Tucker, Juliet Watral, Ryan Allbrandt, Braeden Mora, Anna Vahlenkamp, Mira Smith, Abbie Liquori Not Pictured: Octavia Behnke
yons’ Band Program has four band programs with nearly 170 members in grades 6-12, which is an impressive 40 percent of the school population. All students have the opportunity to take courses in the History of Rock and Roll and Beginning Guitar, as well as Music Appreciation through the Colorado State University Concurrent Enrollment Program.
KAREN
GREGG
BAND DIRECTOR A proud graduate of both the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley) and the Ohio State University, Gregg
The high school Concert Band has earned a reputation of being one of the finest small-school programs in Colorado, and frequently earns superior scores when competing with 4A and 5A high school band programs.
is in her 15th year as the Band Director at Lyons Middle/
Lyons Band students are regularly selected as members of the All-State Band, Orchestra and Jazz Band programs.
Gregg loves living in Longmont with her family and enjoys
Senior High School. She has received both the 9News Teacher Who Cares and the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association.
performing on the bassoon professionally while also competing in triathlons and half-marathons.
In 2015, every valedictorian was involved in a band program, while alumni have gone on to study music at prestigious schools including Berklee College of Music (Boston), Pepperdine University and many of Colorado’s finest colleges and universities. STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
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ST. VRAIN BAND NIGHT
needed and wanted. That’s what draws them to marching band. I think that says a lot.”
Each October, marching bands from St. Vrain Valley Schools and surrounding districts join together for a showcase event of hard work and band spirit.
On band night, hundreds of fellow band members and supportive parents fill the stands. Each band takes the field and gives its best performance from traditional marches to pop songs. Every performance, big or small, receives a rousing round of applause from supportive peers.
Stands full of cheering fans. Bright lights on the playing field. This is not the start of a football game. This is St. Vrain Band Night!
In the early 1980s, Bill Wilkinson, a retired Band Director, had the idea to create a marching band event that shifted the focus from competition to one of collaboration. As costs of marching in a competitive show became too high and the focus became too much on winning a trophy, Wilkinson’s vision was to bring back the excitement of music performance and the focus on teamwork. Wilkinson noted, “In marching band, there is no one on the bench. A student said, ‘I am in band. In football, you are on a team.’ That really shows that every person is important in a band. It makes kids feel like they are
“We break down, literally step-for-step, how to get to that last final goal of the fall show, “ said Wade Hendricks, Niwot High Band Director. “It helps students to not only understand achieving goals but also how to work as a small and large team to reach that goal.” Band Night is a solid example of the district music departments’ focus on collaboration. Schools can focus on supporting one another and district programs. “Music, if done right, can be entirely collaborative, said Dr. Karen Gregg, Band Director of Lyons Middle/Senior (continued on page16)
NOTABLE QUOTES “We love Band Night because it is so well organized and because the expectations are so high, not just for musicianship, but for behavior and camaraderie.” – Paula Gruentzel, Fort Lupton
“As a district, we show that you can have a phenomenal program without having to outshine each other. It makes our district an attractive place to be.” – Josh Kirkwood, Mead
“Music, if done right, can be entirely collaborative. St. Vrain has such a collegial music environment. They love supporting their friends that are participating.” – Dr. Karen Gregg, Lyons
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High. “St. Vrain has such a collegial music environment. In sports, kids have to compete against their teammates to make it to the varsity level and then against other others schools for the win. That is not how it works for music. They love supporting their friends that are participating. Joshua Kirkwood, Director of Bands at Mead High School, emphasized that St. Vrain is unique in its decision to be a non-compete district: “The cool part about Band Night is we get to show that teamwork produces better programs. As a district, we show that you can have a phenomenal program without having to outshine each other. It makes our district an attractive place to be.” St. Vrain Valley Schools also invites surrounding districts to be part of this exhibition. Paula Gruentzel, Director of Bands/Music of Fort Lupton, brings her students to Band Night because of the positive environment. “We love Band Night because it is so well organized and because the expectations are so high, not just for musicianship, but for behavior and camaraderie,” said Gruentzel. “Kids learn to show respect for the other performers because you understand how hard they worked. You cheer for everybody.” Celebrate the hard work and dedication of St. Vrain marching band students on October 7, at 6:00 p.m.
Right: Students perform at St. Vrain Band Night.
NT H.S. O M G N O L , D L TGOMERY FIE N O M Y L R E V E :00 P.M. • 6 7 R E B O T C O ER / FREE D N U D WEDNESDAY, N A 6 N • CHILDRE 2 $ / S T N E D U • ST ADULTS / $4 T ALSO H IG N D N A B D SVVS : S D N A B D S NDS FROM V A V B S S E G R IN U R T A U E T F A FE REGION. E H T OT HIGH S IW S N O R S C A /H S LYONS M MEAD HIGH ERIE HS NGMONT HIGH LO S H K IC FREDER HS SILVER CREEK
STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
COMMUNITY
INVITED
A NIGHT OF FAMILY ENTERTAINME NT
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MEAD HIGH SCHOOL BAND SCHEDULE Home Football Game – 9/4 Home Football Game – 9/11 LOCOmotion Parade – 9/12 Mead Community Days Parade – 9/12 Home Football Game – 9/25 Home Football Game – 10/2 St. Vrain Band Night – 10/7 Mead Homecoming – 10/10 CU Band Day – 10/11 Mead Percussion Ensemble – 10/14 Mead Jazz Band – 10/15 Mead Holiday Gala – 12/8 and 12/9
STVRA.IN/MHSBAND
Seniors L to R: Michael Caraballo, Julia Oster, Kate Nieusma, Delia Lynch, Megan Uhlry, Nick Nieusma, Emily Alsko, Riley Emlano, Joe Wojciechowski, Ian MacNeil, Gabriella Aragon, Eric Feaster, Natalie Wallace, Maggie Barnes, Russell Schaaf, Tylia Reeves, Chad “CJ” Jacquet
ead’s Maverick Band was founded in 2009 with the opening of the new Mead High School. The band began with 32 members, all of whom were freshmen and sophomores. Upon opening, the school set out to create a world-class band program focused on a great sound with emphasis on individual development as the means to benefit the program. Since 2009, the band has grown by 300 percent and consistently sends multiple students to All-State Concert/Symphonic Band, All-State Jazz Band, SVVSD Honor Band, Combined League Honor Band and Patriot League Honor Band.
JOSH
KIRKWOOD BAND DIRECTOR
Joshua Kirkwood graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in 2006, with a Bachelor’s of Music Education. He studied under Gray Barrier during his time at UNC. Kirkwood has also studied under Nancy Zeltsman, Gordon Stout, Ariko Daimo and Jack Van Geem. Kirkwood began his teaching career at Westminster
The band has participated in the Cañon City Blossom Festival, UNC Jazz Festival, Skyline Jazz Festival, Silver Creek Festival, CU Band Day, Legend Marching Invitational, and recently had the opportunity to perform at Disneyland.
Elementary School before moving to St. Vrain Valley Schools. He taught at Frederick Elementary for one year prior to being hired to open Mead High School.
Our band strives to promote great citizenship, excellent musicianship and the highest level of camaraderie between bands. STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
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NIWOT HIGH SCHOOL BAND SCHEDULE Home Football Game - 9/10 LOCOmotion Parade - 9/12 Home Football Game - 9/25 Home Football Game - 10/1 St. Vrain Band Night - 10/7 CU Band Day - 10/10 NHS Fall Extravaganza Concert - 10/14 Home Football Game - 10/23 Home Football Game - 10/30 Longmont Halloween Parade - 10/31 Longmont Veterans Day Parade - 11/11 Longmont Parade of Lights - 12/12 Disneyland Parade - 4/3 Universal Studios - 4/5
STVRA.IN/NHSBAND
Seniors L to R: Yukine Colclasure, Emily Loos, Rachel Kuhn, Shafiq Sidek, Austin Coe, Matthew Clark, Cade Wright, Isabel Victorio, Madeline Spell Not pictured: Scott Barto, Shannon Jacobson, Becky Olivas, Sapphire Sandoval
iwot High School is a school rich in history and tradition. The Niwot High School Cougar Marching Band prides itself in upholding this richness. We perform a traditional style pre-game show at each home football game (played at Longmont High School’s Everly Montgomery Field) featuring the playing of the StarSpangled Banner and the Niwot High fight song “Down the Field” as well as a traditionally-based marching halftime show. Both of these field performances feature the visual artistry of the Color Guard. Recently, “The Pride of Niwot” have featured the Niwot High Dance Team during halftime shows.
WADe
HENDRICKS BAND DIRECTOR
Wade Hendricks is in his (lucky!) 13th year of teaching music. Having taught on both coasts (Laguna Beach, CA and Concord, MA) and in Cambridge, England, Wade and his family of four have happily settled back into life on the Front Range. Along with playing saxophone, Wade enjoys cycling, skiing,
Students enjoy preserving these stately traditions as well as some other playful traditions like choreographed warm-ups to “Hello, My Name is Joe,” and “Medusa,” a game that tests students’ abilities to maintain attention.
cooking and spending time with his young family. Wade loves the culture, community and energy teaching at Niwot brings.
Niwot High has two performing Jazz Ensembles that rehearse during school and the district’s only symphonic orchestra featuring full wind and string sections. STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
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SILVER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL BAND SCHEDULE Home Football Game - 9/11 LOCOmotion Parade - 9/12 Home Football Game - 10/2 Pomona Marching Band Festival - 10/3 CU Band Day or Legends Marching Band Festival - 10/10 Home Football Game - 10/16 Home Football Game - 10/22 Halloween Parade - 10/31 Home Football Game - 11/5 Veterans Day Parade - 11/11 Parade of Lights - 12/12
STVRA.IN/SCHSBAND
Seniors L to R: Demetra Stamus, Amanda Einig, Sydney Mauck, Tim Ewing, Autumn Zemlicka, Matt Reh and Anna Stamus Not Pictured: Jesse Fischer and Will Gruening
ilver Creek High School opened in 2001 and, in this short time, has enjoyed many successes that have become strong traditions. Students have the opportunity to play in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and a Small Ensembles class where the focus is on chamber music, combining strings in a full orchestra setting.
BILL
LEGG
BAND DIRECTOR Bill Legg is a native of Washington State where he taught at Clarkston High School for eight years before moving to Colorado in 2014 to teach at Silver Creek High School.
Silver Creek High School features a Marching Band, a Pep Band and the five-time state champion Silver Creek Percussion Group.
Legg and his wife have four wonderful children and love living in Longmont. In addition to spending time with his family, Legg enjoys gardening and cooking.
In addition to performing at high school functions, Silver Creek’s band participates in St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Annual Band Night and has performed in Ireland, New York, Disneyland and throughout Colorado.
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SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL BAND SCHEDULE Home Football Game – 9/4 LOCOmotion Parade – 9/12 Home Football Game – 9/18 Home Football Game – 10/8 Fall Band Festival – 10/13 Home Football Game – 10/30 Longmont Halloween Parade – 10/31 Home Football Game – 11/6 Longmont Veterans Day Parade – 11/11 Longmont Parade of Lights – 12/12
STVRA.IN/SHSBAND
Seniors Front Row L to R: Avynne Trembly, Kyra Schroeder, Lilah Mares, Shannon O’Neill, Shaye Miller, Daniel Mora, Alex Hains Senior Back Row L to R: Cruz Salgado, Mathew Greenlee, Aidan Dekesthler, Grace Baldwin, Aaron Carmichael, Hayden Falkinburg, Matt Kegler, Laura Staiano, Courtney Archibald, Andre Pene Not Pictured: Alex Koenigseker, JD Stibbards
kyline High School’s band program has a vibrant and comprehensive program that offers a wide variety of instrumental ensembles. The program consists of a Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Chamber Ensembles and Pep Band. The Pep Band performs at all home football and basketball games and participates in local parades.
STEPHANIE
TEXERA BAND DIRECTOR
Stephanie Texera is in her fourth year as the Band Director
In addition to performing in large ensembles, students in the program have the opportunity to play in a variety of small ensembles from classical chamber groups to jazz combos. Our band students also have opportunities to perform in the pit orchestra for the fall musical, collaborate with the Skyline orchestra and choir programs, perform in the Skyline Fine Arts Festival and participate in large group festivals.
and first year as the VPA Co-Coordinator at Skyline High School. She received a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She has taught band and orchestra in for 19 years. In addition to teaching, performing, and conducting, she enjoys traveling, the outdoors and yoga.
The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Academy at Skyline High School is the only arts academy in St. Vrain Valley Schools. As the designated VPA School, Skyline offers a wide variety of courses and provides unique artistic opportunities. STVRA.IN/FALLIN • @SVVSD
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SEGUE TO SUCCESS
Playing the first note on a new band instrument is a thrilling and exciting moment. In the St. Vrain’s middle school band programs, students see that making music means making friends, having fun, and finding a place to belong. “For some kids, they join band because they have always wanted to play an instrument or come from very musical homes. For others, it is just the opposite,” said Nicole Kmoch, Director of Bands at Westview Middle School. “They have no musical experience, and they want to see what it is all about. They want to be part of something bigger.” Middle school band students learn the fundamentals of playing an instrument and reading music. They also learn that music is not just a page full of notes but a form of expression and creativity. Band directors help students make connections with music and the world around them. “A lot of what students learn in band are things they don’t realize they are learning,” said Myron Whisman, Director of Bands at Sunset Middle School. “It is not just notes, rhythms, reading music, or playing an instrument. There are direct connections to different curriculum areas.“ Tung Pham, Band Director at Timberline K-8, teaches a Mariachi Band course to show the connection between music and culture.
Above: A Trail Ridge Middle School student practices during band class.
“We have a mariachi band that plays at local restaurants, schools and local festivals. It was a great way to get our hands into the community,” said Pham. “I wanted to make this music relevant and make students motivated to learn about it.” Being part of a band helps students see the value of working collaboratively, rather than competitively, to reach a greater goal. Learning to perform in a group supports goal setting and confidence. “It is not individual achievement but rather a group form of achievement,” said Kmoch. “When we perform, it is our whole group’s performance and important for everybody to be successful.”
Band fundamentals and hard work in middle school pay off as students look to continue their musical journey into high school. To ease the transition from middle to high school, high school band programs provide collaborative experiences through fun events like marching in community parades, sitting in on pep band during basketball games or performing a shared piece during a concert. The high school students show that fun, comradery and a shared love of music is what band is all about. “Students in band go to high school, and they already have friends,” said Heather Meir, Band Director at Coal Ridge Middle School. “They have a place where they know they belong.”
Band is a commitment worth making for the sake of discovering different genres of music, developing technical skills and creating a life-long appreciation for music. “I tell my students, ‘If music was easy, everybody would do it.’ Music is not something you can master like a level on a video game,” said Meir. “Music has more to do with interest and commitment. The things we work the hardest for are the things we value the most.” Gleaming smiles of middle school band members, accepting applause at the end of a performance well done, shows the pride and satisfaction of being part of something bigger than themselves.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Writing Doug Carmichael, Band Director of Erie High Christopher Thomas, Band Director of Frederick High David Merrill, Band Director of Longmont High Karen Gregg, Band Director of Lyons Middle/Senior High Josh Kirkwood, Band Director of Mead High Wade Hendricks, Band Director of Niwot High William Legg, Band Director of Silver Creek High Stephanie Texera, Band Director of Skyline High Tanya Allen-Gaines, Freelance Writer Production Department of Communications, St. Vrain Valley Schools Printing The Times-Call