History

Since 1953, Colorado Honor Band Association has been committed to providing affordable, high-quality music education to young people in the Denver metropolitan area and beyond. Founded by Bill Thompson, the program started as a single six-piece band. As it grew, the program split into two forty-piece ensembles called the Denverettes and the Denveraires and finally evolved to its present-day form: four full concert bands and a pop-rock band guided by a dedicated team of over twenty music educators.

We fill a unique niche in the community by staffing a three-pronged education program which involves weekly full-band rehearsal workshops, weekly small-group instrumental master classes, and weekly one-on-one coaching. Our curriculum requirements motivate students to strive for high standards at each level and to develop diligence and a commitment to excellence—characteristics that equip our graduates to succeed as tomorrow’s leaders.

Seattle World’s Fair 1962

Bill Thompson at center surrounded by his all girl German Band

Reputation for Excellence

Our high-caliber groups have been invited to perform at a variety of national and international events, venues, and music conventions. The high quality of our ensembles is achieved by our systematic approach to music education. Students progress through a rigorous, multi-level music curriculum and receive weekly instruction in large-groups, small-groups, and one-on-one. High teacher-to-student ratios in our classes allow us to uphold high educational standards, to respond to individual learning styles, and to help all students reach their potential.

Solid Musical Foundation

CHBA students progress rapidly, guided by our detailed curriculum and well-rounded approach to music education. CHBA’s Mastery Learning method books for first- and second-year students were written by Harley Brown, who served on the CHBA faculty for 40 years until his retirement in 2007. He designed these method books to promote rapid progress for young musicians by establishing strong foundations in rhythm and instrumental technique. Students’ musical development is further enhanced by ongoing curriculum requirements, music theory training, audition experiences, multiple yearly performances, and participation in our week-long music intensive summer camp.