Daniel Berard

Director of Bands

Music Department Chair

Phone: 970-488-6285

Fax: 970-488-6263

E-mail: dberard@psdschools.org

Daniel Berard is the Director of Bands at Fossil Ridge High School, where he conducts the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and serves as the Performing Arts Department Chair.  Mr. Berard was on the “core team” that helped to open Fossil Ridge High School in the fall of 2004, and is proud of the explosive growth and excellence in performance that the Music department at FRHS has already become known for.

Mr. Berard received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and a Master of Music degree in Music Education and Instrumental Conducting from Colorado State University.  Mr. Berard has over 16 years experience in public education, directing successful programs at Ponderosa and Douglas County High Schools prior to opening Fossil Ridge in 2004.  He is active as a clinician, adjudicator, guest conductor, and music arranger, and is a member of the Colorado Bandmasters Association, the Colorado Music Educators Association, and the National Educator’s Musical Conference.

About the Band program

The FRHS Band is the largest, and one of the most successful programs at Fossil Ridge High School.  The Band has developed a state and national reputation for excellence in performance in all areas, including concert band, jazz ensemble, and marching band, musical literacy, and use of state-of-the-art technology in music education.  In 2005, the Marching Band made history by becoming only the 2nd group ever to reach the state championship finals during their first year of competition, and has built upon that success, placing 4th in 2007 and 2008 in class 4A.  The Marching Band also won the “Most Improved Band” award at the CBA Northern Region Marching Contest in 2006 and 2007.  In the spring of 2007, the Band traveled to London and Dublin, where they performed as a part of the International St. Patrick’s Festival.  In 2008, the Wind Symphony was invited to perform in concert with the Colorado State University Wind Ensemble.

FRHS Band students have been consistently selected to various All-State and University Honor Bands, including the first students ever selected to the All-State Jazz Ensemble from Poudre School District.

Band Courses for 2009-2010

Wind Symphony

The Wind Symphony/Select Concert Band is available to Band students who demonstrate an advanced level of achievement on their instrument. Students are selected through an audition with the director.  The Wind Symphony performs literature of the highest quality.  All students involved in the Wind Symphony will also participate in the FRHS Marching Band in the fall, and the FRHS Pep Band during the second semester.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is designed foe all students who have previous experience in Band who have not yet demonstrated the skill development necessary for participation in the Wind Symphony.  The Symphonic Band focuses on skill development and musicianship through the study and performance of quality music for the modern wind band.  All students involved in the Symphonic Band will also participate in the FRHS Marching Band in the fall, and the FRHS Pep Band during the second semester.

Concert Band

The Concert Band is designed for students with previous Band experience who choose not to participate in the FRHS Marching Band.  The Concert Band focuses on skill development and musicianship through the study and performance of quality music for the modern wind band, as well as an emphasis on solo and small ensemble music.

Pep Band

The Pep Band is active only during the 3rd quarter and serves to promote school spirit at athletic events and other school activities.  Students from all bands combine to comprise the FRHS Pep Band.

Marching Band

All students enrolled in Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band combine to make up the Marching Band. The Marching Band has already become recognized as one of the state’s premiere groups, placing 4th in this year’s state championships!  The Band performs at various school and community events, as well as competitions throughout Colorado during the first quarter of the year.  Marching Band does not take up an additional period during the school day, but is an extension of the total Band curriculum.

Jazz Ensemble 1

Jazz Ensemble 1/Select Stage Band is open to students who demonstrate advanced musicianship in Jazz performance.  Jazz Ensemble 1 utilizes “traditional” jazz instrumentation (5 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, drums).  Students are selected to Jazz Ensemble 1 through an audition, and must also be enrolled in a concert ensemble.  Participation in Jazz Ensemble may involve school and community performances outside of the school day.  Jazz Ensemble 1 may be scheduled as a “0-hour” class with the scheduled time TBA outside of the school day.

Jazz Ensemble 2

Jazz Ensemble 2/Stage Band is open to students wishing to increase their knowledge and abilities in Jazz, Rock, Latin, and other popular music styles, including students who perform on “non-traditional” jazz instruments.  Students are selected to Jazz Ensemble through an audition, and must also be enrolled in a concert ensemble.  Participation in Jazz Ensemble may involve school and community performances outside of the school day.  Jazz Ensemble 2 will be scheduled as a “0-hour” class, with the scheduled time TBA outside of the school day.

FRHS Wind Symphony with CSU Wind Ensemble

FRHS Marching Band in Dublin, Ireland