Colorado Honor Band was a staple of my life from 5^th grade until my high school graduation, and my participation with the organization is an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. During those years, I developed a love for playing music that I cherish to this day, but the total influence of CHBA in my life extends far beyond the realm of music and is too vast to measure. Above all, CHBA taught me how to strive for excellence and it taught me to exceed expectations whenever possible. The bond between CHBA students comprises much more than a mutual love of music; it is a bond shared by members of a team who are dedicated to achieving excellence individually and as a group. To this day, I am committed to supporting CHBA however I can, because I understand the profound value it has for kids in nurturing both their connection with the arts as well as their development into responsible adults. I am still involved with CHBA as a teacher, and it is not an accident that I am only one of many alumni who went on to become teachers and supporters of the organization. We all understand the value of the CHBA experience, and we have personally experienced the fulfillment of CHBA’s mission to “open a world of opportunities” to its students.

-- Julie Larson, CHBA Alumna class of 2002

Shortly after gradating from Honor Band, I traveled up to CU and started college. It was then that I realized that Honor Band had helped me in ways none of my other classes had, no matter how advanced. It taught me how to prepare for an interview (or an audition), as well as teaching me not to take anything less than the best. I found, once I graduated Honor Band, I started looking for the same excellence in others that Honor Band looked for in me- excellence they knew already existed, but had to be brought to the surface. Colorado Honor Band has changed my life overall. It gave me three great friends to whom distance is no barrier. It gave me a sense of excellence that I hold myself to. Most of all, it gave me the tools succeed in life.

-- Aaron Musick, CHBA Alum class of 2006

My years as a CHBA student are at the core of who I am today. Through my experiences with CHBA -- playing in each band from beginning to wind ensemble, being a camp counselor and cook (!), teaching beginners -- I learned about discipline, leadership, and the value of working effectively with others. These are the skills that have stayed with me to this day and have brought me success as an adult. When I reflect on my "growing up years" and having good times, CHBA is front and center; I have maintained many of my CHBA friendships for more than 25 years.
-- Julie Zinn, CHBA Alumna

One year after graduation from CHBA I joined a Trumpet Studio which is renowned for its elite trumpet ensemble. Through a rigorous audition process which spanned nearly 3 weeks, I won the audition for 1 of 2 open spots in the quintet. I am proud and fortunate to have been a member of CHBA. It has giving me a great foundation which I can build upon. As I continue to grow as a musician I will remember the many great times I spent with this organization.
--Mark Peterson, CHBA Alum class of 2007