On Monday, November 11th, Highlands Ranch High School will be holding the annual feeder festival at 7pm in the school’s main gym. The fest will consist of numerous performances of two elementary, one middle school and four high school bands, including the Highlands Ranch Marching Band. This event intends to showcase the performing arts program through the different stages of education.
Kevin Larsen, the Director of Bands, is organizing the event. He leads the high school Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Marching Band, which will all be performing at the feeder fest. “I think [the performances] will go great. We’re playing fun pieces and I think the audience will enjoy it, ” Larsen said.
April Penney will be the conductor of the middle school band, along with her student teacher, Ross Woodzell. The band’s performance will set an example and show the elementary students what to expect in future years. “I am very much looking forward to this concert. It is always so great to hear each group perform at the different levels and to see the progress made from elementary school, up through middle school, and on to high school,” she said. “I am also looking forward to seeing my former students perform as part of the high school band.”
However, many students do not plan on attending the night. Most students said that they have never really heard of the school’s bands. “I had no clue; I’ve never really heard the bands perform,” said student Kayla Dent, freshmen. However, band member Jenna Nolder, freshmen, said, “The feeder fest is the best place for you to see all the bands in one performance.”
“We are expected to have 400 – 500 people show up on the night,” said Larsen. “Attendance isn’t an issue for us.”
The fest will run for about one and a half hours, and it’s free. “This concert is definitely one of the students’ favorite concerts of the year. It has been great continuing this tradition with Mr. Larsen. He did a great job with all of his performing groups last year at his first feeder fest, and I am excited to hear them again this year,” said Penney.
Lara Mathews, Guest Reporter
