Lewis-Palmer School District #38 and
Lewis-Palmer High School proudly present the
Lewis-Palmer High School Jazz Band
Mr. Samuel Anderson, Director
Colorado Music Educators Association Clinic/Conference Thursday, January 29, 2026 10:00 AM
International Center North, Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs
From the Director
Thank you so much for coming to our performance today! We are so excited to share some fantastic music with you all this morning. In keeping tradition with previous LP appearances at CMEA, I wanted to take a moment to introduce our program and what brought us to the performance you’re seeing today.
Our Jazz Band meets for 90 minutes every other school day on a block schedule, and is co-curricular with our concert ensembles. We also have several after-school rehearsals and workshops with clinicians scheduled throughout the year. The majority of class time is spent reinforcing active listening skills, improvisation concepts, and preparing a diverse array of repertoire that spans multiple different styles. Below are a few activities that you might see on a daily basis in our class:
● Call and response using pitch sets from various scales - One student stands at the front, plays a short lick, and the rest of the band has to echo using only their ears.
● Improv box - Student in the center of the box takes a solo, then selects a student on the outside to improvise. That student then has to begin their solo based on how the previous student’s solo ended (from Dmitri Matheny).
● Warm-up tunes from the Dean Sorenson “First Place for Jazz” - We use these tunes to practice style and articulation, and to give students a chance to improvise in a lower-stakes environment. Either a whole section takes a collective solo, or a random wheel of names selects specific students to take a solo. Either way, everyone improvises in class.
● Listening to standards - Music is always playing as students enter and leave class. If we have 5-10 minutes left, we’ll actively listen to standards together. We get to learn about the history of this music, and students are introduced to the best players on their instruments.
● Student-led sectionals - It takes a lot of trust, but students can get a lot done in a short amount of time and often respond better to peer feedback than teacher feedback.
While these activities have certainly helped us in our learning process, it cannot be overstated how hard-working and dedicated these students are. In addition to their participation in band, many of the students on stage today are in other community and extracurricular ensembles, take private lessons, participate in clubs and sports, take multiple AP classes, sing in choir, act in our theatre company, and so much more. I feel honored to be a part of their growth as well-rounded young adults.
From all of us in the LPHS Jazz Band, we hope you enjoy our performance today. It has been an incredible journey preparing for this day. These students have done outstanding work this year, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
Sam Anderson Director of Bands and Popular Music Studies, Lewis-Palmer High School
From the Superintendent
As Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Superintendent, I see every day how music education shapes not just scholars, but whole human beings. Music teaches discipline, creativity, collaboration, and courage.
Music develops the whole child. It nurtures the mind, strengthens the heart, and builds community. It teaches students how to listen—to themselves and to one another. And long after a student forgets a formula or a date, they remember the song, the performance, the moment they felt seen.
Thank you for instilling a lifelong love of the arts and for shaping not only great musicians, but thoughtful, resilient, and inspired humans. Your work matters—deeply.
Mrs. Amber Whetstine
Superintendent, Lewis-Palmer D38
Lewis-Palmer High School Jazz Band
Saxophones
Ella Armstrong (10), alto $!
Mirabel Barr (12), alto
Andrew Kandrak (10), alto
Cooper Wentworth (10), alto $+!%
Erin O’Connors (12), tenor
Jodi Mayfield (9), tenor
Abigail Meggett (10), tenor $
Brekkan Kelly (10), bari $!
Michael Nunez (12), bari $
Trombones
Nicholas Berthelotte (12)
Elsa Conley (11)
Grace Kovar (12), bass
Trumpets
Samuel Hunt (11)
Evan Marsh (11) ^#@+
Tyler Smith (9)
Jaxson Warman (10)
$ All-City Honor Band
^ All-City Jazz Band
# All State Jazz Band
@ All State Band
+ All State Orchestra
% CSU Honor Band
! CU Honor Band
Piano
Brianna Chester (12) $%
Vocal
Noelle Garcia (12)
Bass
Camille Apineru (10) %
Alina Yu (9)
Drums
Elle Ruth Adams (10)
Concert Program
Ya Gotta Try Sammy Nestico
Brianna Chester, Abigail Meggett, Ella Armstrong, Elle Ruth Adams, soloists
Ya Gotta Try is an uptempo swing chart written by the grammy-winning composer and arranger, Sammy Nestico. Nestico was the long-time composer for the Count Basie Orchestra, one of his many works being Ya Gotta Try. After its composition in the late 70’s, other bands such as the Buddy Rich Big Band, the Boston Brass, and the Bill O’Connell Big Band made their own renditions of Ya Gotta Try. In the original composition, the tenor duet adds a unique touch to the color of the chart, carrying Basie’s style and sound while also leaving room for interpretation. As the two lead players of the sax section, Ya Gotta Try is a perfect opportunity for us to duet and build off of each other’s soloistic ideas. We both have a deep passion for jazz and devote much of our time to improving our skills and honing our craft. When we play Ya Gotta Try we have a constant reminder that our hard work is worth it, we just have to try.
Program note written by Ella Armstrong and Abigail Meggett
Sagebrush Annie Booth
Camille Apineru, Abigail Meggett, Brianna Chester, Ella Armstrong, Jaxson Warman, soloists
Sagebrush was written for the University of Nevada’s Reno Jazz Festival in 2022. It’s the state flower, and a symbol of the American West. Written by Annie Booth, who has done great work here in the region with local events such as the SheBop Jazz programs, Telluride Jazz All-Star Ensemble, and now working at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Jazz Studies program. Her piece, Sagebrush, is an incredibly smooth piece. It has the feel of rolling dunes in the desert wind. A gradual, building piece-it focuses on smooth tones. To me, it has always felt noir. A jazz club-esque piece. A long night, and a table to oneself. It emulates mystique, calm; it feels both elegant and simplistic. The soloists on this piece tie it all together.
Program note written by Nicholas Berthelotte
LP Shuffle Gavin Worland
Nicholas Berthelotte, Jaxson Warman, Brianna Chester, Michael Nunez, Elle Ruth Adams, soloists
LP Shuffle is a funk/hip-hop chart composed by Gavin Worland, a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader based in Longmont, CO. He studied and recently graduated from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, and is the current bandleader of the Warriors of Peace Jazz Orchestra. He is also the musical director of the Longmont All-Star Jazz Band. LP Shuffle was written for the Lewis-Palmer High School Jazz Band as a commissioned piece for CMEA. LP Shuffle celebrates both the hard work and success of the LP Jazz Band and Colorado composers.
Program note written by Elle Ruth Adams
I Remember Clifford Benny Golson arr. Sammy Nestico
Evan Marsh, soloist
I Remember Clifford is a threnody to trumpeter Clifford Brown, who tragically died in 1956 at the young age of 25. The composer, Benny Golson, played with Brown in Tadd Dameron’s orchestra and in Lionel Hampton’s band in 1953; the both of them being close friends. When Brown died so suddenly, Golson said he worked for over three weeks to acquire the right melody, wracked with emotion. This was for his “forever friend.” Emotion is the name of this piece-every swooping crescendo, every hit. This piece is truly beautiful. We hope you listening today feel those same emotions Benny Golson felt. Honoring someone who burned bright as a star, with a life snuffed all too short.
(lyrics written by Jon Hendricks)
“I only know that I hear him now/And I believe that I always will/You’ve got to believe/I remember Clifford still, yes I hear him still I know he’ll never be forgotten/He was a king uncrowned.”
Program note written by Nicholas Berthelotte
Orange Colored Sky
Noelle Garcia, soloist
Milton Delugg and Willie Stein arr. Roger Holmes
Popularized by Nat King Cole in August of 1950, Orange Colored Sky was originally written by Milton Delugg and Willie Stein, with its first known recording on July 11, 1950 under the direction of Delugg and featuring Janet Brace on vocals. This tune has appeared in various pop culture moments, such as Lynda Carter’s performance on The Muppet Show, as well as being heard in the video game and television series, Fallout. Orange Colored Sky focuses on the intensity you feel when falling in love, and that’s what I have been able to experience with the LP Jazz Band. Nothing beats leaving a long rehearsal with them to none other than a literal orange colored sky set against the gorgeous Rocky Mountains we call our home. This chart holds a special place in my heart especially since orange is one of our school colors, so I am always reminded of my LP Ranger family!
Program note written by Noelle Garcia
Biography
Samuel Anderson is in his third year of teaching at Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS) in Monument, Colorado. The instrumental music program at LPHS includes two concert bands, a jazz band, beginning and advanced guitar courses, and a history of rock and pop class. Extracurricular music opportunities also include Pep Band, pit orchestra, and chamber ensembles. The LPHS Wind Symphony performed twice at the Colorado Bandmasters Association State Festival since Mr. Anderson began teaching. The 2026 LPHS Jazz Band is Mr. Anderson’s first ensemble to perform at CMEA.
A proud alumnus of Colorado State University (CSU), Sam received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2023. While attending CSU, he served as the instrumental representative for the university’s CNAfME chapter, undergraduate program director for the Middle School Outreach Ensembles, and teaching artist for the Junior Lift Clarinet Academy. He was also a woodwind instructor for the Monarch High School Marching Band, and student taught at Liberty High School with Sarah Romero and Hannah Peterson.
Sam remains an active musician, performing with the Little London Winds in Colorado Springs, and serving on the board of the Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society. He is also President of the Lewis-Palmer Education Association, an organization dedicated to advancing student and teacher rights throughout LPSD and the Pikes Peak region. When not teaching, playing, or listening to music, Sam enjoys hiking, camping, drawing, watching movies, playing video games, staying up way too late playing Dungeons & Dragons, and spending time with his partner, Savannah.
From the Director
I would like to thank all of the LP families for their unwavering support of arts education in D38. I have been overwhelmed by the trust and support I have received in my first few years of teaching. None of this is possible without community, and I am beyond grateful for your encouragement.
To all of my friends and mentors, words alone cannot describe how much you all mean to me. Thank you for your friendship, your insight, and the hours upon hours of laughter shared. To Tom Chapman, Michael Mozingo, and Butch Eversole, thank you for making me the musician I am today. To Sarah Romero, Sarah Loyer, Madeline Douthit, and Kris Lilley, thank you for everything you’ve done to help me through my first years of teaching. To Annie Booth and Gavin Worland, thank you for writing such beautiful music and enriching the jazz scene here in Colorado. We truly have the best musical community here!
To the incredible students at LPHS, you make it all worth it. Thank you for the countless memories, and for trusting this strange individual (with a great sense of humor and awesome jokes) with your musical education. Every day spent with you is a lifetime of joy. I am honored to share the stage with you today, and I’m so proud of the people you are becoming. The future is in good hands, I can’t wait to see what you all will accomplish.
Finally, to my family, thank you for supporting me in this amazing profession. It’s probably not every parent’s dream to hear “I want to study music in college”, but you stood by me and helped me through every step of the way. Thank you for coming to concerts, taking me to summer camps, and listening to me squeak for nearly 14 years. Savannah, I truly do not know where I would be without you. Thank you for being my rock, for sticking with me through it all, and for being the best part of my life.
Acknowledgments
The members of the LPHS Jazz Band would like to thank the following people who have supported us in countless ways (in no particular order): the parents who pay, drive, donate, help, attend, and support these students in so many ways; all the private teachers of the students; the D-38 music team—Hanna Anderson, Zoee Avery, Betsy Derr, Madeline Douthit, Cynthia Eversole, Josie Fritz, Sarah Loyer, Lee Meyer, Nathan Nors, Cristin Patterson, John Patterson, and Sarah Romero; clinicians and sectional coaches—Andrea Artley, Dave Artley, Dan Bell, Joe Darpino, Butch Eversole, Genice Matzke, Dmitri Matheny, Michael Mozingo, Alex Ortega, and Jack Yonce. Our performance today is possible because of your help!
LPHS Jazz Band Seniors, Class of 2025
Alexander Chapman, bass and aux. Percussion
Kelvin Duling, trombone
Ashley Forsyth, trumpet
Liam Miske, trombone
Lewis-Palmer District Music Instructors
Josie Fritz and Betsy Derr, Bear Creek Elementary School
Hanna Anderson, Kilmer Elementary School
Nathan Nors, Prairie Winds Elementary School
Zoee Avery, Palmer Lake Elementary School
Cynthia Eversole, Lewis-Palmer Elementary School
Sarah Loyer (LPHS Class of 2005), Lewis-Palmer Middle School
John Patterson, Monument Academy
Cristin Patterson, Monument Academy
Sam Anderson (PRHS Class of 2019), Lewis-Palmer High School
Sarah Romero, Palmer Ridge High School
Lewis-Palmer High School and District 38 Administration
Amber Whetstine, Superintendent
Jeffrey Zick, Principal
Richard Thiele, Assistant Principal
Brooke Mendez, Assistant Principal
Stacy Roshek, Assistant Principal / Activities Director
Nick Baker, Assistant Principal / Athletic Director
Lewis-Palmer High School Performing Arts Faculty
Kris Lilley, Theater
Madeline Douthit, Vocal Music
Sam Anderson, Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music in Lewis-Palmer School District 38
The instrumental music program in Lewis-Palmer School District 38 is a 7-12 system. Beginning band is offered at the 7th grade level at Lewis-Palmer Middle School. The Lewis-Palmer Middle School band program is directed by Mrs. Sarah Loyer. LPMS has three 7th grade band classes, two 8th grade band classes, and an 8th grade jazz band. The Lewis-Palmer High School band program is directed by Mr. Sam Anderson and the Palmer Ridge High School band program is directed by Ms. Sarah Romero. Both programs include students in the Wind Symphony/Ensemble, Symphonic Band/Winds, and Jazz Band. Emphasis in areas of solo and ensemble participation for all students, as well as honor band auditions, provides a high level of motivation and skill to developing musicians grades 7-12. District 38 was named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
There are 78 students involved in instrumental music at Lewis-Palmer High School in the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Advanced Guitar. Music at LPHS is driven by the philosophy that all students deserve high quality music education. The LPHS Band Program seeks to empower the next generation of musicians with positive and fulfilling musical experiences through the preparation and performance of high quality repertoire. The program strives to build musicianship, character, and leadership through student-centered learning. We are defined by our constant pursuit of personal excellence and our drive towards making the best music we can, together.
About Lewis-Palmer High School
Lewis-Palmer High School is located in Monument, Colorado, just north of the United States Air Force Academy. LPHS has been established for over a century, beginning as “The Lewis School” in 1920. There are approximately 1200 students enrolled in grades 9-12. Lewis-Palmer High School has a rich history of academic excellence, as well as success in sports, fine arts, and other extracurricular activities. Students from LPHS have attended many esteemed colleges and alumni have received appointments to several US Military Academies. Other accreditations include the AP National Honor Roll and Project Lead The Way National Certification.
The Lewis-Palmer School District #38
Lewis-Palmer School District #38 is a premiere PK–12 school district providing innovative and relevant educational programming to all students at all grade levels. Lewis-Palmer School District serves the communities of northern El Paso County, north of Colorado Springs, including Monument, Palmer Lake, Woodmoor, Jackson Creek, and northern Black Forest.
Accredited with distinction by the state of Colorado (an honor given to the top ten percent of districts), Lewis-Palmer School District’s schools are among the top in the state. Lewis-Palmer School District schools offer acclaimed music, arts, sports, and extracurricular opportunities to over 6,000 students.
Flash! Bam! Alakazam and goodbye!