Orchestra
The Mountain View High School Orchestra was established in the fall of 2000. Students from the program have been regularly selected to the Colorado All-State Orchestras as well as other honor ensembles. In addition, numerous students have continued on to become music majors.
Experience our lion pride

Our Orchestras

String Orchestra
Open to all string students. We perform at all of the scheduled concerts and one festival in the fall.

Chamber Strings
Open to string students by audition only. We perform at all of the scheduled concerts as well as multiple festivals and community events.

All State Orchestra

Acceptance into the Colorado All State Orchestra is the highest honor that a sophomore,  junior or senior orchestra student could receive. More information about the festival, auditions and procedures is below. 
Important Dates (2023-24)
​November 17: Auditions DUE 
February 1-3: Colorado All State Orchestra Festival at CSU

Western States Honor Orchestra Festival

Acceptance into the Western States Honor Orchestra Festival is the highest honor that a sophomore,  junior or senior orchestra student could receive. More information about the festival, auditions and procedures is below.​

Important Dates (2023-24)
September 22: Auditions DUE
November 2-4: Western States Honor Orchestra Festival at UNC

Combined League Honor Orchestra

Combined League Honor Ensembles are open to students from schools north of I-70 and east of the Continental Divide. Each year, hundreds of students audition to be a part of ensembles and receive the opportunity to work with some of the leading conductors in the region. Students selected for the groups perform in an evening concert at some of the largest venues in Northern Colorado.
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Important Dates (2023-24)
​November 17: Auditions DUE 
January 16: Combined League Honor Orchestra Festival at Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley

Local Summer Programs!

Just Chamber Music
This is a two week long program in June that allows students to experience Being in a quartet with other brilliant musicians. 
Just Chamber Music offers aspiring music students an opportunity to explore the world of chamber music and grow musically and individually within a supportive environment. Coaching from professional musicians is an integral part of the program as students are challenged to build skills and are encouraged to explore new ideas.
Summer Academy of Music
This program is run through the Thompson School District. This is a great way to expand your knowledge and be in an amazing orchestra for two weeks in the month of July. 

Mr. Toews
Mr. Toews is Director of Bands and Orchestras at Mountain View High School. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in K-12 Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado. While at UNC, Mr. Toews was awarded the Departmental Scholar Award and was selected for membership in Pi Kappa Lambda (the National Music Honor Society). He was selected as the 2002-03 Mountain View High School Teacher of the Year, the 2013-14 Thompson Education Foundation Secondary Teacher of the Year, and the 2021-22 Thompson Education Foundation Educator of the Year. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Toews is the chairman of the Performing and Visual Arts Department at Mountain View and is the EC-12 Curriculum Coordinator for the Thompson School District. He has served as the District 3 Representative, Chair-Elect, and Chair of the Instrumental Music Council for the Colorado Music Educator's Association. Additionally, he has served on the executive board for All-State Orchestra (Northern Governor, Chair-Elect, and Chair) as well as the All-State Band Steering Committee. He is a member of ASBDA, ASTA, CBA, CMEA, and Phi Beta Mu. He is a member of the Exquisite Brass Quintet and lives in Greeley with his wife Shanna and their twins, Alyson and Michael.