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
- Marching Band Festivals and Competitions
- District Schools Music Websites
- Solo Ensemble Festival
Calendar
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
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
2026 All State Orchestra Participants
2026 All State Band/Jazz Band Participants
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
2026 All State Middle School Choir Participants
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
2026 All State Elementary Choir
Colorado West Music Invitational
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.
- 2026 Final Published Rating Scores
- 2026 Outstanding Award Winners
- Certificate Form for Superior Rating Plaque
Festival Information
The 102nd annual Colorado West Music Invitational has been tentatively scheduled for April 21-24, 2027. Please check back next fall for more details.
2026 Information Booklet (will be updated fall 2026)
Performance Schedule TBD
Entry Forms
Marching Band Festivals and Competitions
Colorado West Marching Band Festival
The 49th annual Colorado West Marching Band Festival will be held on Saturady, September 26, 2026 at Stocker Staduim in Grand Junction, Colorado. Preliminary competition will be by class and limited to 15 bands. Prelims will start in the morning (exact time TBA) with judging and awards following the performances. After Prelims, there will be an open class Finals event, which will be determined by the Prelim scores. There will be a Sunday clinic offered for those who wish to participate, which will include 30 mins of visual and 30 mins of music with each of the out-of-state judges. All forms must be received by August 19, 2026.
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
2026 Judge Line Up
Chief Judge, Rick Shaw
Music Individual, Tristan Peterson
Music Ensemble, Genice Matzke
Music Effect 1, Chuck Stephen
Music Effect 2, Darren DeLaup
Percussion, Dustin Arndt
Visual Individual, Danniell Isaac
Visual Ensemble, Dan Gustad
Visual Effect, Jeff Hargis
Color Guard, Amy Lueb
T&P, Tom Bruszewski
Important Information
Directors - Please read copyright instructions and complete the CBA Copyright Form. This form needs to be sent to: cbamarchingaffairs@gmail.com
Forms
2026 Field Show Prelim Schedule (TBD)
2026 Field Show Final Schedule (TBD)
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.
2025 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
2026 Field Show Schedule (TBD)
2026 Judge Line Up (TBD)
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.