The Wind Ensemble is the top ensemble of the FCHS Band Program. The Wind Ensemble consistently earns Superior ratings at contest and is selected to perform at the Colorado Bandmasters Association State Concert Band Festival. Students have the option of taking this class for college credit through Front Range Community College. Audition is required.
Juniors and Seniors are eligible to get college credit through FRCC.
Symphonic Band is the intermediate ensemble of the FCHS Band Program. The Symphonic Band consistently earns Superior and Excellent ratings at various festivals including the Colorado Bandmasters Association Regional festival. Audition is required.
The Concert Band is the entry level ensemble of the FCHS Band program and is mostly comprised of 9th-10th grade students. Auditions are not required to be in this ensemble.
FCHS offers two year-round jazz bands. The Jazz Bands participate in various regional festivals including the UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival and the Horizon Jazz Festival and consistently earn Excellent and Superior ratings. Auditions are required
FCHS Pep Band is the heartbeat of school spirit at Fort Collins High School! Known for bringing energy, enthusiasm, and great music to sporting events and select community gatherings, the Pep Band plays a key role in rallying support and building pride throughout the Lambkin community. Whether in the stands or out in the community, the Pep Band is always ready to bring the hype!
The FCHS Band Program believes that travel is an important part of the high school band experience, providing students with opportunities to perform in new settings, grow as musicians, and build lasting memories as a team. Whether attending festivals, competitions, or performance trips, traveling allows students to showcase their talents to wider audiences while experiencing the discipline and excitement of performing at a higher level. Beyond music, these trips help students develop responsibility, independence, and teamwork, while strengthening friendships and creating a strong sense of community within the band. Traveling together not only enriches students’ musical education but also provides life experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
In 2025 the FCHS Band traveled to California to participate in a Disney Soundtrack Workshop, where the band students experienced a "day in the life" of an LA Soundtrack Musician. Students were led through a soundtrack recording workshop with a Disney Music Producer and got to experience watching numerous film scenes that they had recorded during the workshop.
Other trips the FCHS Band Directors have taken their students on include:
The Music For All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis
The Dallas Wind Band Festival
Bands of America Super Regional Competitions (Marching Band) in St. Louis
The Colorado Music Educators Association Convention in Colorado Springs
The Canyon City Blossom Festival
The UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival
The Legends Jazz Festival in Parker
Additionally, the Performing Arts Department has taken group trips as a department to Australia and multiple trips to Western and Central Europe.
To learn more about the FCHS Performing Arts Department (consisting of Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Theater) visit the department's website:
https://fch.psdschools.org/academics/departments/performing-arts
To learn more about Fort Collins High School visit the school's website: