We are raising funds to purchase new instruments and marching band uniforms. The instruments will support the five bands and three orchestras at OHS. Over 55% of our student population are eligible for free or reduced lunches so we need to have a good supply of instruments available to them.
When our daughter was signing up for electives for 6th grade a few years ago, we asked her to consider either band or orchestra, as my husband and I understand the value of a musical education. She initially resisted but ended up agreeing to try orchestra for one year. To her great surprise, she ended up loving it. She made friends with a great group of kids through orchestra, most of whom are in honors classes, which helps to keep her motivated for those classes as well. Being a part of orchestra has given her a real sense of belonging. She is now in 10th grade and still loving orchestra, still friends with the same group of kids, and still taking honors classes. I would definitely recommend encouraging your child to get involved with one of the school music programs. .... Alissa M.
I started volunteering to help with the instrumental music program 9 years ago. Serving on its board for four of those years. In that time I was able to witness a truly exceptional relationship that exists in the performing arts hall. In that hallway is a family. In a time when we talk about the importance of mental health, the teachers and students have created that safe place so incredibly important to the health of students.
Since becoming involved in the program we were fortunate enough to get two new amazing instructors. The new instructors' tireless dedication helped ignite an explosion of growth in the program requiring us to search for larger auditoriums to house concerts due to the large audiences. The love of what they teach is evident and is reflected in the way students respond to the teachers. Part of what created the family environment in the hallway are these unforgettable teachers.
I no longer have a student in Overland High School, yet my heart is still there. I still help especially in the performing arts hall because I have seen the positive impact made on the lives of those students. I believe in everything that the Instrumental Music Parents Association does. ... M.J.
The purpose of this Association will be to encourage, promote and support the OHS Instrumental Music Program and all its activities through cooperation and understanding among the parents, students, Cherry Creek School District, instrumental music director(s), and other interested persons in the community. We will raise funds for the music program to help lessen the divide between what the music program needs to operate and the amount of funds received from the OHS school budget.
Overland High School was started in 1978. Shortly thereafter parents started volunteering to help at various events. They then formed a more structured group and the organization was given 501©3 status in November 1984. Ever since then we have been working to raise money to help bridge the gap between what the school gives them in their budget and what they actually need to run a top notch band and orchestra program. Over the last 36 years we have raised thousands of dollars to purchase instruments, band uniforms and to fund trips in the U.S. and abroad. In the early 1990's we raised money for the band to go to Ireland to march in their St. Patrick's Day parade, with kilts, of course. The band also had the opportunity to march in the 2003 New Year's Day Parade in London, England. Travel opportunities in the United States included two trips to Hawaii in the early 2000's to march in their Thanksgiving Day parade. In 2008 they traveled to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Parade. In 2011 they performed in Branson, MO. In-state performances include the Parade of Lights,
Pueblo State Fair, CHSAA field show competitions, RMPA winter percussion competitions and the UNC Jazz festival and workshop. For years, OHS was the only High School band that performed in the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland parade during that annual festival during September in Estes Park, in those kilts of course! In the last few years we have turned our focus to purchasing new instruments to replace those that are spending too much time in the repair shop.
Organization name
Overland High School Instrumental Music Parents Association
1984
Tax id (EIN)
74-2179293
Category
Education
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
12400 E Jewell AveHeadquarters
12400 E. Jewell AveArapahoe County, CO, US