Amplifying Female Voices in the Brass Community

Eaglecrest High School (Centennial, Colorado) student Kiera Alexander is using her passion for music to create new pathways for belonging, confidence and leadership – both in her school community and across Colorado. As a co-founder of Girls in Brass, Alexander is helping to reshape what student participation in music can look like and is opening doors for young women who may not see themselves represented in traditional band settings.

National research shows that girls remain significantly under- represented in brass sections, particularly on instruments such as trumpet, trombone and tuba. Studies from organizations like the National Association of Music Educators (NAfME) and multiple university music-education programs consistently report that brass sections are often 70 to 80 percent male, a trend shaped largely by longstanding gender stereotypes about instrument choice. For many young musicians, these norms can limit both opportunity and a sense of belonging.

Alexander saw those barriers firsthand.

“It’s easy to notice how few girls play brass instruments,” Alexander said. “Girls are usually expected to play flutes or clarinets. We wanted to inspire girls to step outside what’s expected and create more balance. It makes our program stronger.”

The Girls in Brass program, founded by Alexander alongside Maya Hosokawa and Isabella Lawrence, encourages young women to pick up brass instruments with confidence, providing mentorship, support and visibility. The group hosts workshops, connects younger students with experienced high school musicians, and works to normalize seeing girls in spaces where they have historically been overlooked.

Alexander’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. Rashaan Davis, assistant commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association and the staff liaison overseeing the State Student Leadership Representatives, highlighted the broader impact of her work.

“Without student leaders who are willing to create opportunities for their peers, schools would struggle to know what meaningful programs to add to their co-curricular and extracurricular offerings,” Davis said. “Kiera exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a student who leads with others in mind. Girls in Brass is a shining example of what’s possible when student ideas are supported by strong leadership from school administrators and teachers. Our membership is incredibly proud of the work Kiera and the Eaglecrest community have done to further belonging in band, and there’s no doubt that the same intentional leadership is happening across the entire campus.”

Alexander’s work aligns directly with the mission and vision of CHSAA, where she currently serves as a student representative. CHSAA emphasizes education-based activities, inclusive participation, character, equity, leadership, and fostering school communities where all students feel seen and valued. Her efforts reflect CHSAA’s core values – excellence, integrity, respect, inclusion and tradition – lived out through action rather than simply aspiration.

By challenging stereotypes and expanding musical access, Girls in Brass strengthens the culture of the Eaglecrest High School music program while also serving as a model for how student-led initiatives can improve school climate and community belonging. Programs like this help cultivate environments where every student - regardless of background or identity - has the support needed to thrive.

“I love music,” Alexander said. “I faced a lot of challenges, especially starting band a year and a half late. People told me I couldn’t catch up, but I kept going. You can’t let others decide what you’re capable of.”

Through Girls in Brass, Alexander is ensuring that other young musicians won’t have to face those challenges alone. Her leadership demonstrates how student voice, creativity and courage can open new doors for others – and how inclusive, student-driven programs continue to elevate the values at the heart of CHSAA’s mission.

Rashaan Davis has been assistant commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association since 2021 and oversees esports, music, speech and debate, and student leadership. Prior to coming to CHSAA, he spent 24 years working as a classroom teacher and campus administrator, including 17 years at Highlands Ranch High School in Colorado and three years at Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, Colorado. Davis is a member of the NFHS High School Today Publications Committee.