by Deborah S. Ray

Long-time Denver residents would remember the Denver Junior Police Band (DJPB), marching parade routes that meandered through the streets of downtown Denver or performing at community events. Those young band members--moving march-step in identical lines, donning police-style uniforms, and proudly playing a Sousa march or a patriotic favorite--probably weren't even aware that they were becoming part of Denver's history.

"The Denver Junior Police Band originated in Denver in 1937," Denver resident Roger Oram began. "Seeing and hearing the police band march and play at the various parades downtown inspired many young boys to ask their parents if they could join."

As an eight-year-old in 1959, Oram was one of those young boys inspired by the sights and sounds of the DJPB and became a member himself. By January 1965, Oram went by train with the band to Washington DC for the Inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson. "This was certainly a privilege and a very memorable time for me!" Oram recalled.

For fifty years, the police band continued to inspire young men (and later, young women) and provided music instruction, leadership training, discipline, and performance opportunities until its demise in the 1980s.

In 1994, with a mission that rooted in Denver some 60 years before and with help from several area businesses and organizations, the band re-formed--taking its original mission of music education and combining it with a community focus and multi-generational values. Under a new name--the Mile High Community Band (MHCB)--the organization now offers four bands: Beginning, Intermediate, Jazz, and Concert, which provide music and cultural experiences uniquely accessible to adults, youth, and families.

MHCB member Stephanie Wells noted, "Most bands are either for kids of various levels, or for adults who are already very accomplished on their instrument, and for which they have to audition. Mile High Community Band is unique in that both adults and kids of varying ability can join." Wells, along with her son, Bradley, have participated in both the Intermediate and Concert bands.

"We currently have members ranging in age from 11 to 60-something, ranging in skill from beginner to advanced, and coming from all sorts of music backgrounds and training," said Thomas Blomster, Director and Conductor of the Jazz and Concert Bands. MHCB encourages family participation as well, and at any given time has youth siblings, adult siblings, and parents participating side-by-side with their kids.

Blomster continued: "Our Jazz Band did a small corporate gig at D'Vine Winery in downtown Denver recently. It was really cool to have 11-year old jazz trumpet player Darius Alizadeh performing side-by-side with...well...some folks who are much older than he is!"

And the quality of the music? Blomster noted that the organization thrives because of the diversity the membership brings. "We provide solid music instruction, but more than that, we really come together musically because members care about the music, organization, and people." Blomster, a professional musician for 35 years, also founded and directs the Colorado Chamber Orchestra and is a percussionist with the Denver Municipal Band, Denver's oldest professional band.

MHCB provides a unique service to Denver area residents: "One of our leading goals is to make MHCB accessible and available to Denver area students whose school music programs have dwindled or been cancelled," said Oram, who, coming full-circle, now serves as Board President, 50 years after first joining the Denver Junior Police Band. According to Oram, many existing members find MHCB programs to be a good complement to school programs or private lessons.

Mile High's programs are a bargain, too. With weekly rehearsals, the student rate is just $25/month, as is adult membership in the Beginning and Intermediate bands; Jazz and Concert Band membership is $35/month, with many members participating in both bands for the $35 fee. Family discounts are also available. Additionally, "We won't turn away anyone with demonstrated financial need," Oram noted.

"Music will stay with you a lifetime, Oram concluded. "We hope that MHCB--whether it be through rehearsal or community performance--inspires youth and adults in the Denver area to learn and enjoy music, just like the police band inspired me years ago."

For more information about Mile High Community Band, visit www.milehighcommunityband.org, or reach Deborah Ray at debray@milehighcommunityband.org or 303-451-9240.

Thornton resident Deborah Ray is a rehabilitated computer book author, department editor, and syndicated newspaper columnist. Deborah is the Executive Director of MHCB and is a flutist with the Concert Band.