This holiday season, the Center for Future Audiences added an extra sparkle to the Philharmonic’s Christmas Symphony celebrations. On December 20 and 21, patrons arriving at the Pikes Peak Center were greeted not only by the festive sights of the season—but also by the joyful sounds of live jazz performed by the talented Pikes Peak State College Jazz Band made possible by Music Professor Martha Muehleisen, who often performs with the Philharmonic.
For our New Year’s Eve: Rhapsody in Blue concerts on Dec 30th and 31st, we continued the celebration by inviting Altitude Acapella, an exceptional group made up of recent area high school graduates and young local college students. Seven singers filled the lobby with gorgeous harmony, and—adding even more delight—CEO Nathan Newborough joined the group for several numbers. He is pictured here with his daughter Sarah, one of the leading organizers of the ensemble. Sarah is dedicated to keeping her passion for singing alive beyond the school walls and bringing vibrant live acapella music to the Pikes Peak region.
Both ensembles filled the upper lobby with classic holiday jazz standards, creating a lively atmosphere both before the concert and again during intermission. The crowds steadily grew as patrons paused to listen, tap their toes, and soak in the spirited rhythms that set just the right tone for a holiday concert experience.
These partnerships represents one of the Center for Future Audiences’ core commitments: providing meaningful performance opportunities for emerging musicians. Serving as a training ground for young artists learning to gig in real-world professional settings is a vital part of strengthening the future of live music in our region. Seeing these students rise to the occasion—engaging audiences, performing with confidence, and elevating the holiday experience—was an inspiring reminder of why this work matters.
We are grateful to Professor Muehleisen, the outstanding PPSC Jazz Band, and the incredible musicians of Altitude Acapella for sharing their artistry and spirit with our patrons during this festive season. Their contributions made the holiday and New Year’s celebrations truly unforgettable.
Here’s to many more collaborations that nurture young musicians while enriching the artistic life of our community.
