About NHS Bands

The Niwot High School Band program offers students opportunities to advance their understanding of music and music-making with a variety of courses and leveled performing ensembles. Through the dedicated study of music, students develop real-world skills applicable beyond high school: leadership, long-term goal setting, long-term goal realization, perseverance, grit, selflessness, cooperation, creativity, poise, and friendship.

(Robert) Wade Hendricks,
Director of Bands

Wade Hendricks has been the Director of Bands at NHS since 2013 teaching symphonic, marching, and jazz band as well as Guitar I &II. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado (’02) and attained his Masters in Conducting at the American Band College in 2007. In his spare time Wade likes to cycle, coach soccer, spend time with his partner and two children (Walter and Vivian). In the summer of 2019 Wade completed the Trans-America cycling route covering 4,500 miles from Oregon to Virginia.

welcome message from Mr. Hendricks

Niwot High School Bands are the Pride of Niwot! ♬

Band Awards & Recognition

Niwot High School instrumental ensembles have enjoyed state-wide recognition as among the best in Colorado. NHS Band students regularly achieve District, Combined League, and All-State recognitions. The NHS Bands have received Excellent ratings at the CBA Concert Band Festival in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The NHS Jazz Bands have consistently earned Superior rankings at the Skyline Jazz Festival.

Collage photo of band students on trips to New York City and New Orleans.

Band Trips

2024 - NHS Symphonic Band performed in Orlando at Walt Disney World. (video recap)

2018 - NHS Symphonic Band and Orchestra visited NYC performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

2017 - NHS Jazz Bands performed in New Orleans.

2016 - NHS Marching Band performed in California down Mainstreet USA in Disneyland.

Band Newsletter

Our band newsletter is published monthly during the school year to provide updates on events, announcements and important dates for all NHS bands.

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“I joined NHS Band hoping to play some fun music. By the time I left, I had a stack of cool sheet music, increased confidence in my playing and leadership skills, and friendships that last to this day. Above all else, band showed me that strong teams are built on inclusiveness over competitiveness, a lesson I take into everything I do.”
— Morgan C. ‘20
"Jazz Band was by far the most rewarding part of my high school career. Mr. Hendricks is by far the best band teacher one could ask for.”
— Jacob R. ’19
“Being in the NHS band has really shown me how valuable the experience of playing music with other people is. I will cherish the memories I have made from playing music in the Niwot High School bands and I am extremely grateful for the dedication of the hardworking teachers and students who make the whole experience worthwhile.”
— Damian L. ‘21
Niwot High Schools’ band program will always hold a special place in my heart. From the friendships and the memories I made, I wouldn’t have spent my years in high school any other way. The skills I learned from teamwork and leadership to musical technique and knowledge, have helped me to be able to play in collegiate jazz bands, orchestras, and my university marching band.”
— Hunter A. ‘19
“The NHS Bands provided a community that improved my entire high school experience. My time in the band program was musically rewarding and encouraging; my favorite memories are getting to connect with friends before and after rehearsals and concerts.”
— Taylor S. ‘20
"I feel as though being involved in the band program all four years has allowed me to develop both my musical skills and my ability to be a leader among my peers. I wasn’t the most socially versed person when I entered high school, but getting involved in band that prior summer really helped me step outside my comfort zone.”
— Lily H. ’19