While most kids wait until August to get back to school, band kids already started band camp in July. Long hot summer afternoons mark the beginning of their commitment to the program. When school starts, they’re practicing early, late, during the week and on Saturdays. They’re arguably the hardest working kids on the gridiron.
The Mountain Vista High School Golden Eagles football and basketball teams climbed the ranks this year with deep runs in the playoffs. With them, the Golden Eagles band has also found a passionate stride. Under the direction of Band Director, Douglas Green, the band program is taking bold steps to perform in the community, remain competitive in statewide competitions and hype the football and basketball teams at home games.
The dedication it takes to be involved in these year round programs is a true investment. Vivek Avupati, flutist and drum major for 2024-2025 school year shares, “Being part of the MVHS band had a major impact on me in two ways. The program really facilitates the students to go to many distinguished honor bands, something I took full advantage of. However, making these honor bands is a lot of work and time, so balancing that practice with my other responsibilities in academics and life really taught me the importance of time management and efficient practice to reach those high-playing levels.”
Vivek is going on to pursue a career in finance at Indiana University. He reflects, “Being the drum major for the MVHS marching band taught me a lot about leadership. It taught me how to lead by example and how to stay and keep others motivated even when things didn't go as planned. Time management, leadership and perseverance are very important skills for my career. I am forever indebted to the MVHS band program.”
Ester Griffin, clarinet and drum major for 2025-2026 school year, shares her excitement for next year. She says, “I am really excited to be a part of the marching show one last time. I'm really looking forward to our new show and becoming stronger together as an ensemble. I'm also super excited to meet the incoming freshmen!”
When it comes to vision for the program, Green expresses an importance to grow the program to the heights it was at before the pandemic. He also prioritizes the opportunity for students to play in the community.
“I love getting to help students be a part of something bigger than themselves. We get to put on a show wherever we go, whether that is a concert at the school, in a park or a full marching show on the field at competitions and football games," Green says. "Music is a part of everyone's everyday life, and helping students grow and be a part of that is so rewarding."
Douglas Green, Band Director
He received his bachelors in instrumental music education from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He plays percussion with local groups and shares a great life with his wife and two dogs. In his free time, he enjoys disc golf, Formula 1 and motorcycle rides.