State of Band: Colorado

Colorado band directors share how the state’s music scene is organized, from its governing bodies and region structure to concert festival, marching band, honor band, and all-state opportunities. The conversation also highlights the strong culture of mentorship, collaboration, and practical support across the state.

Sponsors:

Sight Reading Factory

RCP Drum Company

BetterSax https://geni.us/bettersaxclassicsax

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome to Colorado and introductions from Andrew King and Melissa Ellenberger

01:55 - Colorado’s music governing bodies: CBA, CHSAA, and CMEA

05:01 - How Colorado is divided into regions by geography and access

06:52 - Region meetings, representation, and communication with directors

09:26 - Colorado’s band conferences, including the Broadmoor-hosted state conference

11:47 - School classifications from 1A to 5A and what they affect

16:54 - Concert festival requirements for high school and middle school

21:20 - Colorado’s yearly calendar from marching season to spring events

23:07 - Region honor bands, ski festival, and winter conference season

25:45 - Middle school recruitment, fifth grade outreach, and instrument test drives

27:41 - Large middle school band programs, summer band camp, and class management

30:44 - What marching band looks like in Colorado, including scoring and state events

34:50 - Individual achievement pathways: honor bands and all-state opportunities

36:13 - Middle school honor band auditions and ensemble makeup

38:24 - High school honor band audition music and statewide consistency

40:21 - Video auditions and selection for all-state

42:09 - Colorado’s all-state band, jazz band, orchestra, and choir structure

45:51 - Solo and ensemble expectations and why it stays at the regional level

46:53 - Mentorship through CBA and district support for new directors

54:12 - Colorado’s culture of sharing, observing, and helping other programs

56:59 - What the guests want people to know about teaching band in Colorado

58:48 - A mindset of appreciating every festival and ensemble like art