About the program:

The Falcon Middle School band program is a group that has pursued musical and personal excellence for over 40 years. Our mission as a band program is to help students become extraordinary individuals and musicians through the study of music. We expect students to perform to the best of their ability both on and off stage. Having seen hundreds of students walk in and out of our doors, we know that band students are the best the world has to offer. We hope that each student and parent will feel a sense of belonging in our program.

At Falcon Middle School, we run a comprehensive concert band program. In 6th grade, we start with beginning band, where students learn the fundamentals of their instrument, music-theory, and playing in a large ensemble. In 7th and 8th grade, we continue to hone our instrumental technique and grow as performers. All of our grade-level classes are performing ensembles. 6th and 7th grade perform at least 3 times a year at our after school concerts. On top of these, 8th grade often performs with the Falcon High School band program and at the Colorado Bandmasters' Association Festival in the Spring.

Extracurriculars:

Additionally, we have a number of extracurricular and after school music-making opportunities for any students or parents who are interested in diving deeper into what the musical world has to offer:

• Jazz Band: An after school club that meets once/week. We learn about the basics of jazz music, history, and improv. This ensemble performs at our end of year concert and often at other events as well. This club meets every Wednesdays after Fall Break.

• Band After School Help (B.A.S.H.): The band room is open and available for all students who wish to seek help from Mr. Thompson, practice on their own or with friends, or try a new instrument. B.A.S.H. is less of a club and more akin to tutoring. B.A.S.H. takes place on Tuesdays starting after Fall Break.

• Pikes Peak Middle School Honor Band: This is the premier middle school honor band of the Pikes Peak region and has ensembles for both jazz and concert band. While sports have the Varsity team, band has Honor Ensembles. It is open to all students, but should primarily be considered by 7th and 8th grade students who excel at their instruments and want to continue to push themselves. At Falcon Middle, all 8th grade students will prepare part of the audition together, in class, but no student is required to audition. Auditions take place during the Fall and rehearsals/concerts are in the Spring.

About the director:

Callen Thompson is an educator and musician and has been teaching at Falcon Middle School since 2023. He received his Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Colorado and has taught band, choir, and general music in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Michigan. Along with working in the public schools, he is also an active musician, performing with the Pikes Peak Brass Band and Eastern Colorado Trombone Choir.