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
Left to right. Hans Snell, Randy Rabito,
Sarah Kamstra accept Board recognition
for receiving CBA Exemplary Band Awards.
Not pictured Ryan Crabtree and Tzetzi Mendez.
Valley Bands perform at Stoker Stadium for the delight of the crowd on Sept. 17.
Elementary Honor Choir 2025. Photo courtesy of Jessica Hazard Hanley, Appleton Elementary Music Teacher
- Calendar
- Celebrations and Honors
- Colorado West Music Invitational
- District Schools Music Websites
- Marching Band Festivals and Competitions
- Solo Ensemble Festival
Calendar
Upcoming Events
January 9-10, 2026 WSCBA Honor Jazz Bands at GJHS
January 28-31, 2026 All State Jazz Choir at The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs
February 5-7, 2026 High School All State Choir at The Buell Theater, Denver
February 5-7 2026 All State Orchestra at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins
February 6-7, 2026 Elementary Honor Choir at GJHS
Celebrations and Honors
25-26 State Board Members
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
2025 Western States Honor Orchestra
2026 CMEA Performances
2026 All State Choir/Jazz Choir Particpants
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
Lexi Walpole
Bella Hoch
Russell White
Palisade High School (Director Matt Doty)
Braewyn Brown
Regyn Coolbaugh
Siena Miller
Pepper Ruzin
2026 All State Orchestra Participants
2026 All State Band/Jazz Band Participants
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
2026 All State Middle School Choir Participants
Colorado West Music Invitational
The 101st annual Colorado West Music Invitational will be held on April 22-24, 2026, for Orchestras and April 23-25, 2026, 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 and return it to the music office no later than January 22, 2026. For more information about this festival, email or call 970.254.6507.
**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**
- 2026 Entry Form- For schools outside of District 51
- 2026 Emergency Information Form- SUBMIT W/ENTRY FORM...MANDATORY
- 2026 Information Booklet
- 2025 Performance Schedule
- 2025 Outstanding Awards Winners
- 2025 Final Published Rating Scores
- Certificate Form for Superior Rating Plaque
- Jazz Choir Adjudication Form
- MS/HS Show Choir Adjudication Form
- Vocal Adjudication Form
- Band Adjudication Form
- Orchestra Adjudication Form
- Jazz Band Adjudication Form
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
Marching Band Festivals and Competitions
Colorado West Marching Band Festival
The 48th Annual Colorado West Marching Band Festival was held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Results for the 2025 Competition are as follows:
Prelims Field Show
Class 1A
Third Place Grand Valley High School
Second Place Gunnison High School
First Place Olathe 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
First Place Grand Junction High School
Finals Awards
Open Class Finals Award
High Visual Montrose High School
High Music Montrose High School
High General Effect Montrose High School
Open Class
Third Place Fruita Monument High School
Second Place Central High School
First Place Montrose High School
Congratulations to all the bands!
Ticket Prices
Ticket Prices for Prelim and Finals Sold Separately Combined Tickets for both Prelim and Finals
- Adults - $15 Adults- $28
- Students- $10 Students- $18
- Senior Citizens and Active Military - $10 Senior Citizens and Active Military- $18
- Children under 5 - FREE Children under 5- FREE
Important Information
Directors - Please read copyright instructions and complete the CBA Copyright Form. This form needs to be sent to: cbamarchingaffairs@gmail.com
Forms
CBA Western Slope Regional State Qualifier
The Colorado Bandmaster's Association Western Slope Regional State Qualifier was held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Field Show Results were as follows:
Class 1A
Fourth Place Grand Valley High School
Third Place Gunnison High School
Second Place Olathe High School
First Place Bayfield High School
Class 2A
Second Place Montezuma-Cortez High School
First Place Delta 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
First Place Grand Junction High School
Congratulations to all the bands! Please join us for the 2026 season!
Ticket Prices
- Adults - $15
- Students- $10
- Senior Citizens and Active Military - $10
- Children under 5 - FREE
Important Information
Directors - Please read copyright instructions and complete the CBA Copyright Form. This form needs to be sent to: cbamarchingaffairs@gmail.com
Forms
CBA State Marching Band Finals
The Colorado Bandmasters Association held the 2025 CBA State Championships October 24-27, 2025. The 4A/5A Championships were at the United States Air Force Academy with Quarter Finals on Friday, October 24 and Semi Finals and Finals on Saturday, October 25. The 1A/2A/3A Semi Finals and Finals were held in Grand Junction, Colorado at Stoker Stadium Monday, October 27.
School District 51 Marching Bands did exceptionally well this year 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
Congratulations to you all!
Solo Ensemble Festival
|
Band |
February 6, 2026 4-9 p.m. @ Grand Mesa MS |
|
Orchestra |
February 20, 2026 4-9 p.m. @ Grand Mesa MS |
| Piano | February 20, 2026 4-9 p.m. @ Grand Mesa MS |
| Vocal |
February 20, 2026 4-9 p.m. @ Grand Mesa MS |
**This festival gives first priority to D51 students - non-district students can participate if time slots are available. Contact the music office for more information.
**District Music Teachers can find entry forms and information on the District Music Connect site.