Performing Arts
Bands
Marching Band
The Monarch High School Marching Band, division 5A since 2015, is the most visible ensemble at the school. The last five years at the CBA State Championships Monarch has placed in the top 5 (with 4th place finishes in 2017 and 2019) Monarch Marching Band has been a state finalist band for the last 10 years. Students in marching band will do a number of events including competitions, parades, football games, and community performances. Every 3-4 years the band takes a big trip out of state. Students who wish to participate in the marching band must be enrolled in one of the concert ensembles at Monarch. Any question, please contact the Director of Bands Chuck Stephen.
Jazz Bands
Monarch High School has 3 jazz bands. Students are placed into jazz bands by audition based on the experience level of the students. Auditions take place every year in early Spring (late March/early April). All incoming band Freshmen have to enroll in one of the concert bands. If in jazz band, they must also enroll in a concert band or percussion class. Contact the Director of Bands Chuck Stephen or the Assistant Director of Bands Claire Church for questions.
Concert Bands
The concert band program is the heart of the Monarch High School band program. We have 2 concert bands, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Students are placed into the Wind Ensemble based on auditions. Auditions take place every year in early Spring (late March/early April).
Parents and students should consider private lessons because it will give the student an advantage and allow them to progress much faster on the instrument they play. The more students we have in private lesson, the better the program will be. Any questions, please contact the Director of Bands Chuck Stephen.
Color Guard
Monarch Color Guard is the visual expression of the Monarch Marching Band. Incorporating elements of dance, basic gymnastics, and equipment such as flags, mock rifles and sabers, and other elemental props it seeks to enhance the story of the music.
Winter Guard competes indoors incorporating recorded music and traditional color guard elements as used in marching season, with a more intimate performance experience. The season runs November through April. In 2018, Monarch placed 4th in the Scholastic A Division. Monarch is also the proud host of the annual Monarch Winter Guard Invitational, which is one of the largest winter guard competitions in the State of Colorado.
Color Guard seeks to be an inclusive community. While the prior experience of dance, gymnastics, or other performance experience is always valuable, all those interested in working hard with a group dedicated to the craft are welcome to join! If you have any questions, please contact us at mohicolorguard@gmail.com.
Indoor Percussion
Monarch Indoor Percussion (MIP) is an award winning percussion ensemble, which has won 8 state championships in the last 10 years. In 2018, MIP placed 3rd in the Percussion Scholastic National A State Finals. For details about their past seasons, click here.
MIP consists of the percussion (battery) and front ensemble (pit) sections of a marching band. Indoor percussion marries elements of music performance, marching, and theatre. Most indoor percussion groups are affiliated with a high school, although there are many independent groups as well. The season runs from mid-November through mid-April, practicing two times per week with some Saturdays. Performances and practices are usually held in a gymnasium. Every other year MIP travels to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the WGI Percussion and Winds World Championships.Students who wish to be involved in percussion must be enrolled in one of the concert bands or the percussion class.
It is a lot of work and a big commitment, but the camaraderie within the group is priceless. MIP provides a way for members to maintain their skills during the winter months and a place to grow together as a community, learn new techniques, and create lifelong friendships.
If you’d like more info about MIP, or have a kid considering percussion in high school, contact Colin Spear (Percussion Director) at spearc33@gmail.com or Chuck Stephen (Band Director at Monarch) at charles.stephen@bvsd.org.
MIP is a very welcoming group. You and your family are welcome to come watch any of their practices or attend any of their performances. We hope to see you there!"
Percussion
Any questions, contact the Director of Bands, Chuck Stephen.
Choir
The Monarch High School Choir Program offers students with a diverse selection of choral ensembles and musical experiences. Students participating in choir will learn ensemble and rehearsal skills, vocal pedagogy and techniques, sight-reading, music theory, music history and other musicianship skills. A variety of performance opportunities, including solo and small-ensemble performances, will be provided to students participating in choir. Students will also have the opportunity to attend festivals, tour regionally and domestically, and perform in diverse venues. All students participating in choir are required to participate in Monarch High School Choir Concerts (outside of the school day) as part of the course expectations.
Orchestra
MHS offers several different classes for Orchestra students plus opportunities for community performance and competition. Please contact the Orchestra Director, Kelsey Hoover. for more information.
Theater
Monarch Theatre is a large group of fun-loving individuals who pride themselves in the dedication we have to the theatre arts. Monarch Theatre Department is made up of all different kinds of folk. No matter if you are an actor, a techie, new to the school, or even graduating this year, the Monarch Thespians welcome everyone with open arms.