About US

Boulder High School has a rich history of music and Orchestral Performance at the high school level.

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Director Of Orchestras

Ryan Woodworth (Contact)

Mr. Ryan Woodworth is a 5th generation native Coloradan and a 3rd generation educator. He grew up in the Denver area and went to University of Northern Colorado for his Bachelor in Music Performance degree in the area of Double Bass under James Vaughn. After completion of his Bachelors degree, Ryan moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for his Masters in Double Bass Performance degree under Principal Bass Jeff Turner. Once completed, Ryan completed an additional certification in Music Education. Both graduate and postgraduate degrees were earned through Carnegie-Mellon University.

Ryan was tenured as Director of Orchestras at Highlands Ranch High School from 2009-2018. Under his direction the HRHS Symphony, Chamber, and Full Orchestras regularly received Superior Ratings in CHSAA and ASTA Large Group competitions. The HRHS Full Orchestra was selected as The Honor Full Orchestra for the Colorado Music Educators Conference in January 2017. Over the past nine years the orchestra program continued to grow both in numbers and quality while reaching the local community and building an expectation of excellence in artistry.

This is Ryan’s 15th year directing high school orchestras and 6th in BVSD and as Director of Orchestras at Boulder High School. Ryan enjoys grilling, golfing, cycling, fly fishing, and hiking with his wonderfully supportive wife Kara, and their four beautiful kids.

Audition and Further Ensemble Information

Who can play in the Boulder High Orchestras? The Boulder High Orchestras are open to anyone who plays an orchestral stringed instrument, or to anyone who wants to learn. Our orchestras can include pianists and harpists based on space available and private teacher recommendation.

How many orchestras are at Boulder High? Boulder High currently has 5 orchestras. Many orchestra students also have the opportunity to play in full orchestra with our amazing band students (unique in BVSD). The orchestras are:

Orchestra 1 (N81) – Anyone who wishes to participate. Although

This class is primarily Freshmen, although it tends to be a grades 9-12 class as fit individual needs. Technique and music making are the main goals –

we work on vibrato, shifting, advanced bow strokes, control, speed,

playing in upper positions. Beginners are welcomed here and, when resources allow, work as a small group until ready to join the large group. The vast majority of incoming freshmen string students play in Symphony. No audition required. No suggested level.

Orchestra 2 (N82) –Orchestra 2 is the natural progression from Symphony Orchestra, and will be mostly Sophomores. We will continue with advancing technique study as listed above. No audition for those who have successfully completed Symphony. Incoming Freshmen must audition. Suggested level, Suzuki Book 3 or equivalent.

Orchestra 3 (N83) – An advancing orchestra including Sophomores

through Seniors and a few Freshmen. We work on more advanced

string playing techniques and ensemble skills. Emphasis on solo playing

and individual leadership within the orchestra is a huge part of our curriculum.

Audition required – recommended playing level is Suzuki Book 4 - 6 level or higher or successful completion of 2 years of high school orchestra.

Orchestra 4 (N86)– Our most advanced orchestra. We perform standard orchestral repertoire and participate in state and national competitions. Pre-requisites include the technical skills as listed above in Symphony and Chamber Orchestra. This class is run like a college orchestra rehearsal. Audition required – recommended Suzuki Book 7 level or higher or successful completion of 3 years of high school orchestra.

What if I don’t know which orchestra is right for me? Not to worry! Mr. Woodworth is happy to chat with you and recommend which orchestra is right for you. If it looks like an audition is best for you, we will schedule that.

What kinds of performances do you do? We have a variety of performing opportunities every year. We do big concerts at school, runout concerts to other schools and businesses, and all three orchestras compete at the state level at least once a year.

What if I like all kinds of music? The programming in orchestra covers all styles of music. If you really like movie music, rock tunes and fiddle music, you would be happiest in Symphony.

Do you ever take any trips? Absolutely! We take a big trip once every 3 years and smaller trips in between. So far, the BHS Orchestras have performed in Canada, Argentina, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and California. Students and parents help choose our destinations. Our most recent trip was June of 2019, our next is tentatively set for Summer 2022

Can I earn money toward trips through school? The Boulder High School Instrumental Music Parents Association sponsors fundraisers every year for students to earn money for trips, lessons, sheet music and anything else they need to support their musical activities.

What other special opportunities are there?

Boulder High School is the only BVSD high school with an ARTS FOCUS PATHWAY. Students may graduate with an “Arts Focus Diploma” if they fulfill the requirements.
All orchestra students are eligible to earn a MUSIC LETTER all four years!
Anyone who wants to will be given class time to play CHAMBER MUSIC.
With student interest, groups for alternative string playing (Bluegrass, Jazz, etc.) may be formed.
Boulder High always has one of the highest numbers of students in all-state groups.
In the 2016-17 school year, we hosted a residency with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra
In 2017-18 We hosted a residency with the Boulder Philharmonic
We are a Rockley Family Foundation beneficiary.
We have received the “Grammy Signature Schools” award 3 times!
Boulder High Orchestra Classes are a regular stop for recruiters from the top music schools in our state and region.