horizon high school: Our Music Philosophy
Music has a unique place in the school curriculum. While it is an academic class in the sense of having a definite curriculum and expected competencies, music's study provides so much more to our lives than we may realize. Educator and professor of music, Paul Lehman remarked, "Music provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression. It enables us to express our noblest thoughts and feelings. It engages our imaginations. It allows us to assert our uniqueness...
As a member of the Horizon High School Orchestra Program, expectations for behavior, time commitment, and effort are very high. Our students in the Performing Arts set a high level of excellence and conduct well above the normal student conduct expectations. Here at HHS there is a proud tradition of excellence in music and performance and are continually striving to maintain those traditions and excellence each year. A mutually beneficial synergy between parents, students, and director will help ensure the continued success and excellence of the HHS Orchestras.
In order to continue that success, we rely on our parents and the community for much needed support. We expect all of our students to be well disciplined and have a positive attitude in anything they do with a strong work ethic. We want our students to have a successful and memorable musical experience and we are continually striving for the highest. Together, parent, student, and director will ensure that the HHS Orchestras are the best they can be!
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Mr. Alex Duran is the Director of Orchestras and Assistant Director of Bands at Horizon High School. Previously, Mr. Duran was the Director of Bands and Choirs at Trinidad Middle & High School. Prior to that, he taught in Leadville, CO at Lake County High School where he was also the Director of Bands. Both the Trinidad Music Department and Lake County High School Band Department grew significantly in size under the direction of Mr. Duran and were recognized for excellence at competitions and festivals.
Mr. Duran received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO. During his time at UNC, Mr. Duran was Drum Major for the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band. Prior to being Drum Major, he served as band photographer, videographer, and squad leader. He was also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity where he served as chapter President and chapter Historian.
Throughout the year, Mr. Duran maintains an active teaching schedule outside of Horizon. During the summers, he co-teaches the Command the Field Drum Major and Leadership Camp where he teaches band leadership and conducting to students from across the state. He holds memberships in many organizations including Colorado Bandmasters Association, Colorado Music Educators Association, American String Teachers Association, and National Association for Music Education. He has also given presentations to Music Education Students at Colorado State University Pueblo. Mr. Duran has also been invited to clinic and rehearse different programs from across the state.
Mr. Duran is an alumnus of Horizon High School, graduating in 2013, where he was very active in the music and performing arts department. He currently lives in Reunion, CO with his partner, dog Nakita, and cat Izzy, whom he loves dearly. When not in the classroom, you will see Mr. Duran out on the numerous hiking trails throughout Colorado.
about
the 50 state
string orchestra project
2022-2024
The 50 State String Orchestra Project is a large-scale consortium commission that is bringing new music to classrooms and concert halls all over the US in the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons, with educational and community orchestras in all 50 states commissioning a new piece for string orchestra, similar in difficulty level and scope to Stephanie’s 2011 work for string orchestra Beyond the Gate. Her consortium commissions for chamber music have already brought new string-centered music all across the world, from her 50 State Sonata Project for violin + piano, inspired by the work of her teacher John Kendall, and her World Sonata Project, which was commissioned by violinists from 35 countries in 2016.