Annual Events at the ASC Department of Music
The Adams State College Department of Music hosts several major events throughout the academic year.
"Top of the Nation" High School Honor Band
The Adams State College "Top of the Nation" Honor Band is one of the longest running honor bands in Colorado, with a tradition dating back over 40 years. The "Top of the Nation" Honor Band selects students from the entire Southwestern United States. The band consists of some of the finest high school instrumental musicians in the Southwest with members coming from Arizona, Texas, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. There is a growing interest from students outside this region and everyone is eligible to audition. The event is held over a three-day period, beginning on Thursday afternoon and culminating in a concert on Saturday afternoon. This year's conductor will be Dr. Jamie VanValkenburg, Director of Bands at Adams State College. Students and directors will receive master classes from the wind and percussion faculty at Adams State College. Graduate credit (1 credit/15 contact hours) is available for participating high school band directors through a series of clinics, master classes and discussions.
The Festival dates are February 21-23, 2008. For more information about the 2008 "Top of the Nation" Honor Band please click here.
To view the 2008 (under construction) Top of the Nation Honor Band audition results please clickhere
The High School Honor Choirs
Adams State College High School Honor Choirs Festival will be February 14-16, 2008. Audition information is distributed in August to Colorado high schools. It is open to all high school students, and taped auditions are due each year by Nov. 1. Teachers who have not received information by the end of August should contact (mewith contact info) These two unique honors ensembles (a mixed and a women's chorus) are limited to 40 singers each, providing students with a Chamber Choir setting to complement other larger, honor choir expeiences such as all-state.
For more information about the High School Honor Choirs please contact Dr. Jackson by phone at (719) 587-7300 or by e-mail.
Invitational Jazz Festival
The annual Invitational Jazz Festival is hosted by Adams State College each year on the first Saturday of February. This year's event will be on Saturday, February 7th. This non-competitive festival offers the opportunity for high school and middle school jazz ensembles to perform for and receive a clinic from professional jazz perfomers and educators. The concert featuring the Adams State College Jazz Ensemble with a guest soloist/clinician is one of the highlights of the day. This year's guest soloist will be Brad Leali, who has played lead alto sax with Count Basie and Harry Conick Jr. Additionally, there are masterclasses given by the clinicians for each of the sections of the jazz ensemble. There will be a special evening concert by the USAF Falconaires Big Band at 7pm.
For more information about the Invitational Jazz Festival please click here or contact Mr. Camp by phone at (719) 587-7059 or by e-mail.
