Garren Cuthrell, Director of Bands and Orchestras at Heritage High School is the recipient of the ninth annual CHBA Bill Thompson Band Director of the Year Award. The award honors the founder of Colorado Honor Band Association (CHBA), Bill Thompson, and recognizes one outstanding band director for his/her dedication to reaching students through instrumental music education.

This CHBA recognition is awarded by a three-member panel of judges including Carol Wolff, Executive Director of the Colorado Honor Band, Steve Martin, retired band director in Jefferson County, and Karen Wilmes an alumna.

The judges had this to say about the nominee: “This application showed a band director who goes above and beyond for his students. He goes out of his way to make students feel included and he makes them motivated to constantly improve.”

Katie Bullen, a senior at Heritage High School nominated Mr. Cuthrell. She had this to say about her teacher: "In addition to the personal support, he provides to students, Mr. Cuthrell invests in our musical growth. He is more than willing to give lessons to students who are either struggling or want to improve. He gave me countless hours to help prepare for my All-State audition.”

This award will be presented at the CHBA Annual Spring Concert on May 21, 2017 at 2:30 pm at the Central Presbyterian Church in Denver. The public is welcome to attend the concert free of charge.

Founded in 1953, the CHBA program features four full wind ensembles and a corresponding musical curriculum designed to cultivate perseverance, self-motivation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. Over two hundred and fifty youth between the ages of nine to eighteen participate in workshops, summer camps, and performances in addition to weekly rehearsals, master classes, and one-on-one coaching. CHBA’s dedicated team of music educators uphold high standards of musicianship and character for every student, and encourage students to participate in their respective elementary, middle school or high school bands. Colorado Honor Band alumni pursue continued involvement in music – playing in leading symphonies across the country, community bands in Colorado, professional jazz bands, rock bands – and they succeed in a diverse array of careers.