For nearly two decades, Jennifer Dunn has inspired hundreds of young musicians across the Boulder Valley School District. As the Band Director at Centennial Middle School, she has built a program that balances technical skill, creativity, and confidence – helping students discover their voices through music. From her own journey as a flute player in Alabama to leading performances at Denver Nuggets games, Jennifer has dedicated her career to making music accessible and meaningful for every student. In this Community Spotlight, she speaks with Gary Gutierrez, owner of The Lesson Studio, about her path in education, the realities of school music funding, and the importance of keeping young musicians engaged and inspired.
Q and A with Jennifer Dunn
Gary Gutierrez: Jennifer, thank you for joining us. Let’s start from the beginning. What first inspired you to pursue music
Jennifer Dunn: It actually started in elementary school. I was drawn to the recorder of all things, and then I had a neighbor who played the flute. I saw her play one day and immediately thought, “I want to do that.” When I was entering sixth grade, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to play flute, so I almost didn’t sign up for band. My music teacher convinced me to give it a try, and the middle school director came over and tested me on mouthpieces. Flute worked, and that’s how it all began. I’m so glad my teachers pushed me, because they saw potential that I didn’t yet see in myself.
Gary: When did you realize that music education – not just performing – was what you wanted to do professionally?
Jennifer: That came later in high school. I was part of our marching band’s leadership team, and that experience showed me that I loved helping others grow. I already knew I was a good performer and a hard worker, but teaching and motivating others was something new. That leadership opportunity was the moment I realized I wanted to pursue music education. I eventually attended the University of Alabama, where I received scholarship support and earned my degree in Music Education.
Gary: After college, what did your teaching journey look like before you came to Boulder
Jennifer: I started teaching right out of college in Tuscaloosa at a high school, then taught middle school in Birmingham. After that, I worked in Jasper, Alabama, which was a smaller district that really valued its music programs. I loved it there – the administration was so supportive. When my family moved to Colorado in 2005, I joined the Boulder Valley School District and have been here ever since.
Gary: What are some of the unique rewards and challenges you’ve experienced teaching music in Boulder Valley
Jennifer: The rewards are huge. Our students come in well-prepared because their elementary teachers give them a strong foundation, especially in rhythm reading and basic music skills. It’s a joy to see that excitement carry into middle school. The biggest challenge is funding. There have been years when our entire budget was around seven hundred dollars. That’s tough when you need repairs, sheet music, and instruments. The district has improved in recent years with dedicated funds for sheet music and repairs, but I’d love to see more resources for instrument replacement so our students can continue learning on quality equipment.
Gary: What advice would you give to a young student who loves music and might be considering becoming a music teacher one day
Jennifer: Keep yourself challenged and seek out every opportunity. If you’re a motivated student, find ways to perform, mentor younger musicians, or audition for groups like the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras or CU’s middle school outreach program. We also have a district honor band for our top students. And definitely take private lessons. They’re not just for students who are struggling – they’re for those who are excelling and ready for that next level.
Gary: That’s such an important message. At The Lesson Studio, we also encourage families to supplement school band with private lessons, especially since most directors can’t teach every instrument at an advanced level
Jennifer: Exactly. Even though I’m a band director, I can only teach flute and a few woodwinds at a high level. For brass or percussion, I always recommend specialized instruction. I tell parents that lessons aren’t about fixing mistakes – they’re about helping students grow beyond what we can do in a large ensemble setting.
Gary: What are some of the performance opportunities your students get to experience
Jennifer: One of our favorites is performing at a Denver Nuggets game each year. My orchestra colleague and I take the eighth graders to perform the National Anthem or a short set of pep rally music on the court before the game. It’s such a memorable experience – they get six minutes on the floor, right by the players warming up. Last year, one of my clarinetists got a high five from Jamal Murray and could not stop talking about it! We also do a middle-level festival with students from Centennial, Casey, and Platt Middle Schools, performing together under guest conductors. And our eighth graders take a spring trip to perform for judges at the Colorado West Music Invitational in Grand Junction.
Gary: Those are incredible opportunities. For parents or readers who want to support music education, what’s the best way to help?
Jennifer: Centennial Middle School has a memorial fund established in honor of Linda Welch, who taught here for many years before passing away from breast cancer. Her husband started the fund to support student opportunities. We use it to bring in guest clinicians, provide financial help for students in need, and host performances. It’s been such a meaningful resource for our program, and anyone can donate to it. I’ll be sharing the link so readers can learn more and contribute if they wish.
Gary: That’s wonderful. Before we wrap up, what’s one message you’d want to share with every young musician or parent reading this
Jennifer: Stick with it. Music is one of those things that’s easy to step away from, but hard to return to at the same level. If you take a year off, it’s not the same as playing with a community of musicians. So my advice to every student is simple – stay with it. The confidence, friendships, and experiences you gain through music are truly lifelong.
Learn More and Get Involved
Centennial Middle School Band Program: Visit BVSD Music Programs
Support the Linda Welch Memorial Fund: Linda Welch Memorial Fund
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