About Our Program

Overview

The Cheyenne Mountain Band Program is steeped in a tradition of excellence.  We are widely recognized has having one of the top programs in the country.   Our Cheyenne Mountain symphonic band, pictured here on stage in Carnegie Hall, contains many musicians that began learning their instruments at CME and PVE!

Our young musicians meet daily during the regular school day for 30 minutes.  We begin with limited instrumentation in 4th grade, and expand to full traditional concert band instrumentations in 5th and 6th grade.

Musicians move on to the esteemed Cheyenne Mountain Junior High Band in 7th grade, where Mr. Dan Bell provides them with a chance to play in an outstanding 7th grade Concert Band, 8th grade Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band.

Curriculum

All D-12 elementary bands use the Essential Elements 2000 method books for band.  Students start in book 1 and move to book 2 about halfway through 5th grade.  This book can be found online or at any reputable music store.  In addition, we use quality literature from the band repertoire in a variety of styles.  Students also have an opportunity to perform in solo and small ensemble settings at our annual Solopalooza concert and Solo and Ensemble festival in the spring.

Instructors

Both Cheyenne Mountain and Piñon Valleys' bands are under the direction of Ms. Andrea Austin. Our District 12 band directors are always moving between schools and teaching students all across the district . Your student might also interact with; Mrs. Genice Matzke at CMHS, Mr. Brian Margrave at CMJH, Mrs. Amy Gieger at Broadmoor and Skyway Elementaries, and Mr. Joe Darpino at Gold Camp Elementary. 

Performance Opportunities

Our students perform 2 band concerts each year at each school.  The 6th grade bands across the district perform in the "Futures" concert each January, where our students get a feel for band at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High and High Schools.  In addition, we hold Solo and Ensemble Festival each spring, where students are encouraged to perform a solo or in a small ensemble. Students will also have other small group playing opportunities throughout the year, such as at a dinner theater or an art show. 

Practicing

In order to foster excellent musicianship as well as life skills, Ms. Austin asks all students to practice at least 60 minutes per week.  This can be broken up however is best for the individual student - it could be 60 minutes on one day, 10 minutes per day for 6 days, or any other combination that works. 

A practice session should be planned like this:

1.  Students should begin practice sessions with an easy warmup.

2.  Next, work on the hardest section of your music.  Practice difficult sections slowly!  Another great technique is to break long phrases into shorter chunks so that you can master them before you move on.

3.  Finish your practice with something fun!