Frequently asked questions about NiwotHigh School’s performing ensembles and music classes:
Q: Can I be in more than one ensemble?
A: Absolutely! Many students choose to be in several groups of any combination at the same time. For example, there are students now who are in jazz band and orchestra, some in choir and marching band, and there are some who are even in 3! (Although, this is challenging!) It is not required to be in marching/symphonic band in order to be in jazz band.
Q: What kind of time commitment is required for marching band?
A: The marching band’s time requirements include a week-long band camp that doesn’t interfere with football or other camps. Other than regular class rehearsals, there are 6 evening rehearsals that take place on either a Tuesday or a Wednesday night in August and September. On many weekends in September and some in October, there are football games and parades where the band plays. A full schedule for the fall will be printed in the spring.
Q: Can I still play sports and be in music classes?
A: Absolutely! Most sports meet right after school every day, so it is possible to be in football or other sports and still be in marching band, choirs, or orchestra. Students should be aware, though, that concert performances are required and part of the grade, so there may be conflicts with the sport’s practices or events. Talk to your coach and music teacher well in advance if there are conflicts.
Q: Which instrumental groups do I need to audition for?
A: Jazz bands, drum line, color guard, symphony orchestra, and musical theater. There is no audition needed for woodwind/brass members to be in marching/concert band.
Q: Are there any classes that are only a semester or are they all full-year?
A: All instrumental classes are a full year. On the choral side, Chamber Singers, Sedalia, and Evenstar are year-long classes. Musical Theatre, Men’s Choir, Concert Choir, and 9th grade Treble Choir are semester courses (although most 9th grade girls double enroll in 9th grade Treble so that they can be in choir all year). Music theory is a one-semester course, while IB Music is a fully year. Rock history and guitar classes are one semester.
Still have questions that haven’t been answered? All music teachers can be reached at NiwotHigh School (303) 652-2550. Specific extensions and emails are listed below.
Kati Sainz
Director of Bands and Guitar
Ext. 6559
Kimberly Watkins
Director of Vocal Music
Ext. 6537
Keith Ellison
Director of Orchestras, Music Theory, and Rock History
Ext. 6576