Many Voices, One Powerful Sound
MHFB Winds is a dynamic symphonic band that delivers bold, creative, and moving performances throughout the year. Known for presenting two of our most beloved annual concerts: Spooktacular! and Melodies of Pride, this ensemble fills some of Denver’s most iconic venues, including the renowned stage of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. With imaginative programming and an unmistakable energy, MHFB Winds brings the heart of our community to life through music that excites, inspires, and connects.
MHFB Winds rehearses on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the upstairs theater at Historic Grant Avenue.
MHFB Winds is led by Derek Hebert, Artistic Director of Mile High Freedom Bands since 2014. Derek brings creativity, energy, and a deep commitment to building community through music. Alongside Derek, MHFB Winds often features guest conductors who bring their own unique artistry and perspective to our performances, keeping the music fresh and inspiring.
MHFB Swing brings the groove, delivering high-energy performances of jazz, swing, funk, and more. This full big band keeps audiences tapping their feet and smiling with creative arrangements and infectious rhythms. Known for our signature events – including the festive Carnival Ball and our ever-popular holiday jazz show, MHFB Swing showcases the playful, soulful side of the Mile High Freedom Bands family.
MHFB Swing rehearses on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the upstairs theater at Historic Grant Avenue.
MHFB Swing is led by Sam Celaya, who brings energy, creativity, and a deep love of music to the ensemble. A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in music education and a focus on trombone, Sam currently teaches middle school band and choir. She is passionate about creating meaningful musical experiences that connect people and inspire joy. Sam is thrilled to be part of the MHFB community and looks forward to making music that reflects the inspirations, dreams, and spirit of our members and audiences.
Founded in 2022, MHFB Strings adds the lush, expressive sound of a string orchestra to the Mile High Freedom Bands family. Beginning in 2024, the ensemble also performs as a full symphony orchestra in collaboration with wind, brass, and percussion players from MHFB Winds. Together, these ensembles present a wide range of repertoire from classical masterpieces to contemporary works while celebrating diversity and building connections through music.
MHFB Strings rehearses on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the basement hall at Historic Grant Avenue.
MHFB Strings and MHFB Symphony are led by misty cosmos, founding director of both ensembles. She has built a welcoming, supportive space where musicians can grow and audiences can enjoy dynamic, meaningful performances – from beloved string repertoire to premieres by MHFB Composers-in-Residence. Outside of MHFB, misty teaches orchestra and guitar at Westlake Middle School and serves as Concertmaster and Assistant Director of the Flatirons Community Orchestra.
MHFB Corps traces its roots to the very first Mile High Freedom Bands ensemble, founded in 1984. Since then, our marching and pep bands have proudly represented the LGBTQ+ community at Pride celebrations across the region and beyond, bringing music and visibility to parades, rallies, and special events. MHFB Corps has marched in Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year since our bold debut in 1985, even when faced with pushback early on, and continues to inspire joy and pride wherever we play. With a powerful sound and a joyful presence, MHFB Corps honors our history while celebrating the spirit of inclusion at every step.
MHFB Corps typically rehearses on Saturdays at 10:00 AM in the basement hall at Historic Grant Avenue. Rehearsal schedules vary based on the performance schedule.
MHFB Corps is led by Jeremy Vera and Kalin Peña, who bring creativity, energy, and a deep sense of community to the ensemble. Jeremy has been an active member of community bands for over 15 years, including serving as Assistant Director of DC’s Different Drummers Marching Band, and joined MHFB as soon as he arrived in Denver. He values inclusivity, enjoys tackling logistics, and sees MHFB as both a musical outlet and an extended family. Kalin has been performing with MHFB since 2016 and joined the artistic staff as Assistant Artistic Director and co-director of Corps in 2022. Also named an MHFB Composer-in-Residence for the 2024–2025 season, Kalin is passionate about the power of music to bring people together and inspire audiences. Together, they lead MHFB Corps with joy, pride, and a commitment to making every performance meaningful and memorable.