Colorado Honor Band has a band for every level—whether you are brand new to instrumental music, already playing in your middle school band, or have many years of private lessons behind you. Students who take advantage of our full program join as beginners and progress through our curriculum through the end of high school, graduating as high-level musicians with refined technique.
No matter what level you are when you start, we will place you in the appropriate band and then teach you the skills and techniques you need to grow as a musician and succeed at the next level—whether that be the next CHBA level or a college-level music program.
Beginning Band—Level 1
Beginning Band students learn the fundamentals of tone production, articulation, rhythm, music theory, and playing with an ensemble. High teacher-to-student ratios make these classes a wonderful opportunity for young students to receive individualized feedback and progress rapidly. Meets September—May. Currently Lessons 1 – 11 in Book 1.
Experience Required
None!
Need help deciding on an instrument?
Learn more about the Instruments We Teach! You may also inquire about our instrument demo nights (held in August), or call Kolacny Music at 303.722.6081 to schedule a demo any time of year.
Advanced Beginners—Level 2
Advanced Beginner students learn the fundamentals of tone production, articulation, rhythm, music theory, and playing with an ensemble. High teacher-to-student ratios make these classes a wonderful opportunity for young students to receive individualized feedback and progress rapidly. Classes and locations are TBD.
Experience Required
Beginning Band or at least 1 year of experience. If your band class experience was daily, you may be ready for level 3.
Need help deciding on an instrument?
Learn more about the Instruments We Teach! You may also inquire about our instrument demo nights (held in August), or call Kolacny Music at 303.722.6081 to schedule a demo any time of year.
Intermediate Band—Level 3
Intermediate Band students increase their range of notes and expand their repertoire of rhythms, scales, and articulation patterns. They build upon their knowledge of music theory and enhance their understanding of intonation and group performance. High teacher-to-student ratios give all students the opportunity to receive individualized feedback and progress rapidly. Meets September—May.
Experience Required
1-3 years
Entry-Level Expectations
- Four major scales memorized with arpeggios, eighth notes at MM 72 (C, B♭, E♭, & A♭ Concert Major Scales)
- Memorized chromatic scale (one octave)
- Ability to sustain a tone for 15 seconds (10 seconds for flute and tuba).
- Percussionists must perform scales on a mallet instrument and be proficient in 10 standard rudiments (as listed in CHBA curriculum book)
Concert Band—Level 4
Advanced Band musicians perform stylistically diverse music and learn subtle techniques that allow them to play with more musical expression. Students develop a mature, characteristic tone quality throughout the full range of their instruments. Students receive one-on-one feedback and specialized coaching in weekly Master Classes. Meets September—May.
Experience Required
3-5 years
Entry-Level Expectations
- Eight major scales memorized with arpeggios, eighth notes at MM 72 (C, F, B♭, E♭, A♭, G, D, & A Concert Major Scales)
- Memorized chromatic scale (two octaves)
- Understanding of a wide range of rhythmic patterns, including dotted rhythms, triplets, and sixteenth note patterns
- Understanding of a variety of time signatures including “cut time” and fast and slow 6/8
- Percussionists must perform scales on a mallet instrument and be proficient in 16 standard rudiments (as listed in CHBA curriculum book)
Symphony Winds—Levels 5
Symphony Winds explores the standard band literature as well as high-level, innovative modern literature. The ensemble achieves a high degree of precision and tonal blending as students learn to play as individual voices of a single, unified sound. Students continue to refine technique and tone quality to reach the goal of excellence in performance. Students receive one-on-one feedback and specialized coaching in weekly Master Classes. Meets September—May.
Experience Required
4+ years
Entry-Level Expectations
- Memorization of all major scales in two to three octaves
- Memorization of chromatic scale (full range of instrument)
- Proficiency in all rhythmic patterns
- Percussionists must perform scales on a mallet instrument and demonstrate proficiency in and memorization of 27 Rudiments (as listed in CHBA curriculum book)
Summer Bands
Our summer program provides a unique opportunity for students to grow as musicians and leaders. Because we bring students of different levels together, lower level students have the opportunity to play more challenging music and be inspired by the talent of the more seasoned musicians, and higher level students have the opportunity to be mentors. This process is especially amplified during our yearly Summer Camp, where students make strong friendships and make huge strides as musicians, team members, and leaders. Learn More About Summer Camp.
Summer Advanced Beginners
Level 1 and Level 2 students play together all summer and perform at the end of the season. Meets May—August.
Summer Intermediates
Level 3 students play together all summer and perform at the end of the season. Meets May—August.
Summer Winds
Levels 4 & 5 students play together and perform throughout the summer in our Summer Concert Series. Meets June—August.