The DPS Foundation is excited to announce the talented DPS performance groups which will take center stage at the Achieve Gala on April 24th. Our sincere thanks also to the generous sponsors who have underwritten their appearances.
Montbello High School Drum Line
Director: Edgar Chance
Presented by Martha Records & Rich Rainaldi
The Montbello High School Drum Line is always a favorite at the Achieve Gala. Created in 2004, the drum line has performed at hundreds of events including the 9News Parade of Lights and Denver Nuggets games. The group is most looking forward to their collaboration with FloBots, a local Denver rock/rap band that are well known from their Top 5 hit “Handlebars.” The 16 students of the drum line devote countless hours to practice throughout the school year and summer to choreograph their energizing performances.
Farrell B. Howell Elementary School Choir
Director: Amy Freidhaber
Presented by FirstBank
The Farrell B. Howell Jams Choir was created when the elementary school opened their doors in 2006. The choir was formed by director Amy Freidhaber and consists of 35 second through fifth graders. Starting out as a community choir in partnership with the Colorado Children’s Chorale, they have since grown into the Farrell B. Howell Jams Choir, while maintaining their relationship with the Chorale, which provides the Jams Choir with excellent music education and performance training. The choir performs at various school events including Farrell B. Howell’s spring and winter festivals.
Thomas Jefferson High School Monticello Singers
Director: Linda Sorenson
Presented by Hogan Lovells
The Monticello Singers, named after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, is composed of nine students, mostly seniors. The program has been at Thomas Jefferson for eight years and is lead by Linda Sorenson. With a primary focus in jazz composition, the students audition to perform both solo and ensemble singing. This year, The Monticello Singers will be cheering on one of their classmates at the Colorado All State Choir.
Hamilton Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Director: John Jonas
Presented by Elaine Gantz Berman & Stephen Berman
The Hamilton Middle School Jazz Ensemble educates sixth to eighth graders about the many different forms of jazz. The Ensemble was formed by John Jonas in November, 2011. John Jonas teaches his students the art of improvisation as well as Latin, blues and rock style jazz. The ensemble is eagerly anticipating their performance at the Greeley Jazz Festival in April. They also perform at various school events including the Hamilton winter and spring concerts.
Learn more about the Achieve Gala here and join us on April 24th to see the incredible talent of DPS students on center stage!