Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music Member Handbook

Join the Note-worthy Community: Jefferson Academy Instrumental Music

At Jefferson Academy, music is more than just a class, it’s a place to find your passion, build lifelong friendships, and achieve excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or looking to take your skills to the next level, there is a chair waiting for you!

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Instrumental Music Courses

High School Band: The Early Bird Advantage

Unleash your potential before the first bell rings! Our High School Band is an elite group of dedicated musicians who start their day with energy and harmony.

  • When: Mon/Wed/Fri, 7:30–8:15 AM (Arrival at 7:15 AM to prep and tune).

  • Experience: Perform quarterly concerts (Oct, Dec, March, May) and participate in professional clinics and judged festivals.

  • Perks: Enjoy local "fun trips" and the chance to join peers who represent us in the Colorado Youth Bands.

  • The Path to All-State: Membership in this ensemble is your exclusive ticket to auditioning for prestigious Honor Bands and All-State Band.

Junior High Band: Building the Foundation

Make music a part of your daily rhythm. Designed for 7th and 8th graders, this semester-long course meets every day during the school schedule to build technical mastery and ensemble spirit. No experience? No problem. While many of our students have played before, we love welcoming new musicians who are ready to dive in, take a few 'catch-up' lessons, and join the section. Come build your skills and your community at the same time!"

  • Perform & Compete: With quarterly concerts and multiple annual competitions, our JH musicians stay sharp and stage-ready.

  • Traditions: Join us for our annual local trip and competition—a highlight of the year!

  • Leadership: Students are encouraged to audition for the Jeffco Honor Band and participate in special combined performances with our elementary programs.

  • Note: To reach our competitive goals, home practice and private lessons are highly encouraged!

7-12th Grade Orchestra: Strings in Harmony

A unique cross-grade collaboration. Our Orchestra brings together students from 7th through 12th grade, creating a rich mentorship environment where younger players learn alongside our most experienced high schoolers.

  • When: Tues/Thurs, 7:30–8:15 AM (Arrival at 7:15 AM to prep and tune).

  • Growth: Show off your progress at our four main concerts each year and join the many students already thriving in the Front Range Youth Symphony.

  • Excellence: This ensemble is the required home base for any student wishing to audition for Honor Orchestras or All-State Orchestra.

Bring the Noise! Join the 7–12th Grade Pep Band Club!

Want to be the loudest part of the crowd? Our Pep Band is the ultimate hype crew for JA athletics! We bring the energy, the rhythm, and the school pride to the stands. If you want to play hit songs, lead the cheers, and have a blast with your friends after school, this is the place to be.

  • When: Tuesdays, 3:30–4:15 PM

  • Where: The front lines of our biggest home games!

Why Music at Jefferson Academy?

Our performing arts students aren't just musicians, they are leaders, scholars, and teammates. By joining our bands or orchestra, students gain access to:

  • State-Level Opportunities: All-State and Honor Ensemble eligibility.

  • Travel: Local trips and competitive festivals.

Community: A supportive environment that feels like a second family.

Instrumental Music Staff

Ms. Wiarda photo

Mrs. Laura Wiarda

Mrs. Wiarda (we- are- duh) is an enthusiastic music educator with over a decade of experience in teaching music and other electives. A passionate musician herself, Mrs. Wiarda presents many fun opportunities for young musicians to hear professional ensembles as she plays the clarinet in both the Regis University Concert Band and the Broomfield Symphony. 

Wiarda holds two Bachelor’s degrees in Music and Clarinet Performance from Truman State University in Missouri and a Master’s in Music Education Degree from Western Illinois University. She believes that every student has the potential to express themselves through music and strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Mrs. Wiarda enjoys reading, golfing, playing music, going to the mountains and spending time with her husband. 

lwiarda@jajags.com