• Band has been so important to me that it’s difficult to explain, all I can do is start with freshmen year. Coming into high school as a freshman is scary, if I hadn’t had the band table to sit at or an upperclassmen to guide me to my class then I would have been eaten alive.
  • To band I owe my social life. I have become close friends with people who, without band, I probably would never have talked to.  I may not have a large number of friends or generally be considered popular, but the friendships I have made in band are strong.  We’re an odd group, with widely different talents and interests. 
  • Joining band was the best decision I could have possibly made. Though there have been times when I did not enjoy it, more often I could not imagine what I would have done without it.

Each year seniors can participate in an essay contest sharing What Band Has Meant To Me. Here are 5 essays that were submitted in 2009. They provide moving testimonials of the impact of the PHS band program on student's lives. The names of the authors have been removed.

 

  • Band taught my kids leadership, responsibility, teamwork - not to mention musical skills. It gave them a second family, their best friends their finest memories. I suggest every parent encourage their kids to try band.
  • These are the kids you want your kids to hang out with. They are fun, motivated, strive to achieve and have a track record of success moving forward. They work hard and play hard and have changed my kids lives dramatically for the better.
 

The Ponderosa High School Bands have a rich history in the Parker community. The Marching Band has been state champions 9 times. The Winter Percussion Ensemble came in 2nd place in 2008 and has won numerous awards throughout its history.  The school has a place for any musically orientated student. It has competitive programs such as Marching Band and Winter Percussion, a variety of class offerings and ensembles that exist mostly for fun – such as the Pep Band.

Mr. Wick, Director of Bands, is often quoted as saying “every kid should have a uniform”, meaning, every student needs to be involved in some team at Ponderosa. It could be soccer, lacrosse, chess club, future business leaders, drama, regardless - some sort of organizational involvement is essential for success in today’s high schools.

We believe there are many compelling reasons why it is the band uniform is a perfect fit for many students.  Please read on or contact Mr. Wick or any of our band booster officers listed on the home page.

  • Research shows that when music is included in a student’s daily learning, their reading, writing and math scores improve.
  • College admissions officers give special consideration to students who are part of their high school music programs
  • Employers often seek out students who are part of their high school music program because of the student’s ability to solve problems and work well with all kinds of  people.
  • According to a 1991 study, students in schools with arts-focused curriculums reported significantly more positive perceptions about their academic abilities
  • In a Columbia University study, students in the arts are found to be more cooperative with teachers and peers, and are more self-confident.

Read "Why Consider Band".