Honor Band

Honor Band

There are many opportunities for students to participate in honor groups around the state of Colorado, and students are strongly encouraged to participate. The honor groups often feature distinguished guest conductors and the music for each performance is challenging. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians from the area. Seat placement in honor groups is determined via a live or recorded audition process.

Some honor bands (St. Vrain Valley District Honor Band, Combined League Honor Band) are local or one-day events. Other groups, like CU, CSU and All-State Band are full weekend commitments (Thursday- Saturday). It is the student’s responsibility to pay for all costs associated with the event (including registration, meals, and hotel if necessary), although associations like the NHS Education Foundation, Lions’ Club etc. may be able to help if asked. See NHS Bands Handbook for more details.

*CHSAA requires all students auditioning for All-State Band to be enrolled in a music class at the time of audition as well as the performance weekend.

“During my time in the Niwot band program, I had many wonderful opportunities to perform in honor bands, both in Colorado and nationally. The students, directors, and clinicians I met in these ensembles continue to be some of my favorite people. Playing in Niwot’s ensembles prepared me for higher level playing, and was one of the reasons I decided to pursue a music performance degree in college.”
— Cole T. '20
Illustration of a French horn.

St. Vrain Valley School District Honor Band

Open to students in grades 9-12
Auditions DUE: 11/2023
Concert: 02/07/2024

  • Held during the first Tuesday evening and Wednesday (all day) of February

  • Features students from all over the St. Vrain Valley School District

Combined League Honor Band & Combined League Honor Jazz Band

Open to students in grades 9-12
(Jazz) CLHJB Auditions DUE: ?
(Jazz) CLHJB Concert: ?
CLHB Auditions DUE: 11/17/2023
CLHB Concert: 02/20/2024

Combined League Honor Ensembles are open to students from schools north of I-70 and east of the Continental Divide. Each year, hundreds of students audition to be a part of these ensembles and receive the opportunity to work with some of the leading conductors in the region. Students from Niwot High School (and other area high schools) selected for Combined League Honor Band perform in an evening concert at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley, CO. Students from Niwot High School (and other area high schools) selected for Combined League Honor Jazz Band perform in an evening concert at Frederick High School (2022). For More Details + Audition Information, please visit the Combined League Honor Band Website.

Colorado All-State Band & All-State Jazz Band

Open to students in grades 11 & 12
(Jazz) ASJHB Auditions DUE:
(Jazz) ASJHB Concert:
ASHB Auditions DUE: Link open 11/1/2023. Due: ? 11/30/2022
ASHB Concert: 04/4/2024 - 4/5/2024

Presented by the University of Northern Colorado School of Music and the Colorado Bandmasters Association. The annual Colorado All-State Band Festival brings high school students from all across the state to UNC to rehearse for multiple days in 2 large bands and perform together on an exciting finale concert that you won’t want to miss! For More Details + Audition Requirements, please visit the Colorado All-State Band website or Colorado All-State Jazz Band website.

CSU Honor Band

Open to students in grades 10, 11 & 12
Auditions DUE: 10/14/2023
Festival: 12/8-10, 2022 Concert: 12/10/2022

The annual CSU Honor Band Festival brings together the finest high school musicians in the Rocky Mountain Region, selected from hundreds of applicants throughout the western region; the three day festival takes place at the University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Guest clinicians and conductors enhance the student’s experience, providing invaluable insight and expertise. In addition to rehearsals, students enjoy several concerts given by CSU faculty and student ensembles. The experience is capped off with a performance by the Honor Wind Symphony and the Festival Concert Band in the beautiful, world-class Griffin Concert Hall. For More Details + Audition Requirements, please visit the CSU Honor Band Website.

CU Boulder High School Honor Band

Open to students in grades 9-12
Auditions DUE: 11/30/2022
Rehearsals: 2/24 & 2/25, 2023 Concert: 2/25/2023

The goal of the CU Boulder High School Honor Band is to enhance the opportunity students receive in their school band program by allowing them to meet and perform with other students. Participants benefit from master classes with CU Boulder faculty and rehearse as an ensemble for two days. At the end of the festival, they present a full-length concert that demonstrates their growth and development. For More Details + Audition Requirements, please visit the CU Boulder High School Honor Band Website.

  • Three Honor Band students standing in front of a music-themed painting.
  • Combine League Honor Band performance in Greeley, CO.
  • Five Honor Jazz Band students posing for an informal photo after a performance.
  • Honor Band French horn player posing with a guest conductor after a performance.
  • French horn section rehearsing for All-State performance.
  • St. Vrain Valley School District Honor Band performance.
  • View from above of French horn section performing at All-State High School Honor Band.
  • Honor Band students standing on stage as audience claps for them.
“The (Honor Band) concert should be a culminating event that is both a destination and celebration of the musical journey preceding it.”
— Steve Graves