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. Students and directors 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.
For more information about the this year's "Top of the Nation" Honor Band please click here.
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 ASC Invitational Jazz Festival is an annual event hosted by James Doyle. The invitational provides an opportunity for middle school and high school ensembles to perform for top professional clinicians from throughout the country. In addition, each ensemble member will have the opportunity to attend numerous masterclasses, clinics, and performances by guest artists and the ASC faculty (including members of the Falconaires Jazz Ensemble from the USAF Academy Band).
For more information about the Invitational Jazz Festival please click here or contact James Doyle by phone at (719)587-8157 or by e-mail