Music
The School District 51 Music Department is dedicated to fostering a comprehensive and dynamic musical education for all students. Through diverse programs, including band, orchestra, choir, and general music classes, the department cultivates students' musical abilities and appreciation from elementary through high school. The curriculum incorporates music theory, history, and practice, emphasizing both individual skill development and ensemble performance. With a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, we work to ensure that every student has the chance to explore and develop their musical talents and enrich their educational experience and personal growth.
See what's happening in Music Education
National Anthem performed at the Valley Bands Marching Expo on Sept. 16, 2026. Video courtesy of Hans Snell, CHS Band Director
Upcoming Events
October 15, 2026, State Qualifying Marching Event at Stocker Stadium beginning at 1:00pm
October 23-24, 2026, State Marching Band Festival Class 4A-5A, Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs
October 26, 2026, State Marching Band Festival Class 1A-3A, Colorado State University, Pueblo
November 5-7, 2026, Western States Honor Orchestra, Univeristy of Northen Colorado, Greeley
November 19, 2026, D51 Honor Orchestra, Grand Junction High School Auditorium
November 20-21, 2026, CBA Select Band, Grand Junction High School Auditorium
December 3, 2026, Prism Concert, CMU Auditorium at 10:15am
- Celebrations and Honors
- Colorado West Music Invitational
- Marching Band Festivals and Competitions
- District Schools Music Websites
- Solo & Ensemble Festival
Celebrations and Honors
State Board Members
26-27 Members
All State Band
Ryan Crabtree, Steering Committee
All State Orchestra
Rachel Lavadie, Administrative Assistant
ASTA
Rachel Lavadie, Western Representative
CBA Board
Ryan Crabtree, State Concert Band Steering Committee
Tzetzi Mendez, Western Slope Treasurer
Hans Snell, Western Slope Representative
CASC Board
Mathew Coronado, Western Governor
CASJC Board
Brad Hirsh, Jazz Choir Audition Coordinator
CASO Board
Nicole Roos, Governor
Rachel Lavadie, Governor
CMEA Board
Mathew Coronado, General Vocal Council Representative
25-26 Members
CBA Board
Tzetzi Mendez, Western Slope Treasurer
Hans Snell, Western Sloper Representative
Katie Stiles, Western Slope Secretary, Western Slope Coordinator for select band
CASC Board
Mathew Coronado, Western Governor
Matthew Doty, Chair Elect
Brad Hirsh, Jazz Choir Audition Coordinator
CASO Board
Nicole Roos, Governor
Rachel Lavadie, Governor
CMEA Board
Nicholas Brenholtz, General Music Council Representative
Mathew Coronado, General Vocal Council Representative
ASTA
Rachel Lavadie, Western Slope Representative
All State Band
Ryan Crabtree, Steering Committee
Exemplary Band Awards
Western States Honor Orchestra
CMEA Performances
All State Choir/Jazz Choir Particpants
2027 Selected Participants
2026 Selected Participants
All State Jazz Choir, January 28-31, 2026
Grand Junction High School (Director Brad Hirsh)
Allison Guddat
Alexis Walpole
All State Choir, February 5-7, 2026
Central High School (Director Mathew Coronado)
Marcus Grattan
Elina James
Fruita Monument High School (Director Aaron Moreno)
Jack Beck
Jacob Malnar
Albert Maulding
Noah Wooten
Archer Miles
Madison Cox
Kate Kim
Grand Junction High School (Director Brad Hirsh)
Allison Guddat
Alexis Walpole
Bella Hoch
Russell White
Palisade High School (Director Matt Doty)
Braewyn Brown
Regyn Coolbaugh
Siena Miller
Pepper Ruzin
All State Orchestra Participants
All State Band/Jazz Band Participants
2027 Selected Participants
2026 Selected Participants
All State Jazz Band, January 28-31, 2026
Palisade High School (Director Lucas Regnell)
Connor Kagerer, Trumpet
Kyla Guest, Guitar/Alternate
All State Symphonic Band, April 9-11, 2026
Central High School (Director Hans Snell)
Corbin Carey, Oboe
Nicholas Pinnt, Clarinet
Grand Junction High School (Director Isaac Lavadie)
Taylor Dean, Bass Clarinet/Alternate
Palisade High School (Director Lucas Regnell)
Connor Kagerer, Trumpet
Gavin Parker, Tuba
All State Middle School Choir Participants
2027 Selected Participants
2026 Selected Participants
All State Middle School Choir, February 12-13, 2026
Bookcliff Middle School (Director Kirsten Buda)
Clarissa Hancock
Grand Mesa Middle School (Director Francisco Castaneda)
Sylvia Dawe
Max Johnson
Mt. Garfield Middle School (Director David Siemens)
Natalie Burke
Wrenn Stabolepszy
Redlands Middle School (Director Anna Roth)
Jacob Laffey
Nora Hall
Sofia Hovland
Natalie Leever
Brigette Blackham
West Middle School (Director David Siemens)
Zealyn Pumphrey
All State Elementary Choir
Colorado West Music Invitational
Festival Information
The 102nd annual Colorado West Music Invitational will be held on April 21-23, 2027, for Orchestras and April 22-24, 2027, for Bands and Choirs. Schools from around the district will be hosts of this event. The festival is open to middle and high school band, choir, orchestra, and jazz ensembles. If you are interested in performing at this festival, please complete the entry form below no later than January 15, 2027. For more information about this festival, email or call 970.254.6507.
Performance Schedule TBD
**BEFORE A GROUP WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR A PERFORMANCE TIMESLOT- ENTRY FORM, PAYMENT AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM MUST BE RECEIVED. ANY MISSING PORTION WILL RESULT IN A LATE FEE ACCORDING TO THE ENTRY FORM DEADLINE INFORMATION**
The 101st annual Colorado West Music Invitational was held on April 22-25, 2026. Thank you to all the participants, adjudicators, and festival workers! Please find the final ratings and outstanding award winners below.
Entry Forms
Marching Band Festivals and Competitions
Colorado West Marching Band Festival
The 49th annual Colorado West Marching Band Festival was held on Saturady, September 26, 2026 at Stocker Staduim in Grand Junction, Colorado. Thank you fans for the great turnout. Congratulations to all the bands!
2026 Award Results
Prelims Field Show
Class 1A
Third Place: Olathe High School
Second Place: Gunnison High School
First Place: Grand Valley High School
Class 2A
Second Place: Delta High School
First Place: Montezuma-Cortez High School
Class 3A
First Place: Palisade High School
Class 4A
Fourth Place: Durango High School
Third Place: Central High School
Second Place: Fruita Monument High School
First Place: Montrose High School
Class 5A
Second Place: Grand Junction High School
First Place: Fountain-Ft. Carson High School
CMU Maverick Stampede
Outstanding Performance
Finals Awards
Open Class Finals Awards
High Visual: Fountain-Ft. Carson High School
High Music: Fountain-Ft. Carson High School
High General Effect: Fountain-Ft. Carson High School
Open Class Overall
Third Place: Grand Junction High School
Second Place: Montrose High School
First Place: Fountain-Ft. Carson High School
2026 Judge Line Up Prelims/Finals
Chief Judge, Rick Shaw
Music Individual, Mark Emery/Bruce Anderson
Music Ensemble, Tim Libby/Andy Cook
Music Effect 1, Andy Cook/Mark Emery
Music Effect 2, Jack Yonce/Tim Libby
Percussion, Bruce Anderson/Jack Yonce
Visual Individual, Danniell Isaac/Cisco Castaneda
Visual Ensemble, Jeff Hargis/Mike Tarr
Visual Effect, Mike Tarr/Jeff Hargis
Color Guard, Cisco Castaneda/Danniell Isaac
T&P, Randy Rabito
Important Information
Directors: Please read copyright instructions and complete the CBA Copyright Form. This form needs to be sent to: cbamarchingaffairs@gmail.com
Forms and Event Information
CBA Western Slope Regional State Qualifier
The Colorado Bandmaster's Association Western Slope Regional State Qualifier will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Ticket Prices
Adults: $15
Students/Senior Citizens/Active Military: $10
Children under 5 are FREE
2026 Judge Line Up
Chief Judge, Ken Ovrebo
Music Individual, Craig Westwood
Music Ensemble, Darren DeLaup
Music Effect 1, Jack Yonce
Music Effect 2, Becky Paschke
Percussion, Colin Spear
Visual Individual, Dan Gustad
Visual Ensemble, Amy Lueb
Visual Effect, Nick Peterson
Color Guard, Francisco Castaneda
T&P, Randy Rabito
Important Information
Directors - Please read copyright instructions and complete the CBA Copyright Form. This form needs to be sent to: cbamarchingaffairs@gmail.com
Forms and Event Information
Western Slope Regional State Qualifier Entry Form (under construction)
CBA State Marching Band Finals
The Colorado Bandmaster's Association 2026 events will be announced when available.
Mesa County School District 51 Marching Bands did exceptionally well in 2025, placing as follows:
Palisade High School finished 4th in 3A
Fruita Monument High School finished 8th in 4A
Central High School finished 10 in 4A
Grand Junction High School finished 11th in 5A
District Schools Music Websites
High Schools
- Central High School Band
- Fruita Monument High School Band
- Grand Junction High School Band
- Palisade High School Band
Middle Schools
- Bookcliff Middle School Band
- East Middle School Band
- Fruita Middle School Band
- Grand Mesa Middle School Band
- Orchard Mesa Middle School Band
Elementary Schools
- Broadway Elementary Band
- Dual Immersion Academy Band
- New Emerson Band
- Fruitvale Elementary Band
- Mesa View Elementary Band
- Scenic Elementary Band
- Shelledy Elementary Band
- Taylor Elementary Band
Solo & Ensemble Festival
|
Band |
February 5, 2027 4:00pm-9:00pm @ Grand Mesa MS |
|
Orchestra |
February 26, 2027 4:00pm-9:00pm @ Grand Mesa MS |
| Piano | February 26, 2027 4:00pm-9:00pm @ Grand Mesa MS |
| Vocal |
February 26, 2027 4:00pm-9:00pm @ Grand Mesa MS |
**This festival gives first priority to D51 students--non-district students can participate if time slots are available. Contact the Music Education Office for more information at 970-254-6507.
**District Music Teachers can find entry forms and information on the District Music Connect site.