Philharmonic Brass Quintet Visits Cripple Creek-Victor
The Center for Future Audiences and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic recently took a scenic trip to Cripple Creek for a day of musical connection. On May 20th, a brass quintet traveled to Cripple Creek-Victor Junior/Senior High School to work with students and provide a high-energy performance for the entire school.
Mentorship and Inspiration
Upon arriving, our five musicians—Don Williams (Trumpet), James Liverman (Trumpet), Michael Yopp (French Horn), Jeremy Van Hoy (Trombone), and Charlie Ortega (Tuba)—met with band director Rob Smith. The team quickly set up in the gymnasium, where even the custodial staff couldn’t help but stop and clap along during the rehearsal.
The quintet then transitioned to the band room for an intimate Q&A session with roughly 15 students. The musicians shared personal stories that resonated with the young performers. For instance, James shared how hearing a brass quartet play Star Wars as a child inspired his career, while Don, who grew up in the area, spoke about his journey from watching the Philharmonic as a kid to performing with the orchestra as a professional educator.
The advice was practical and heartfelt. “Practice for fun,” Don encouraged the students. “Music is more fun the better you get.” Michael added a unique perspective on the power of a daily routine, explaining how warm-ups are not just for technique; they are a way to shift one’s mental state and react positively to the day. Charlie led the group through professional breathing and buzzing exercises, offering the students a firsthand look at how professionals prepare their bodies for a performance.
A Gym Full of Music
At 11:00 AM, the bleachers were packed with students from both the elementary and the junior/senior high schools. The quintet performed a mix of swing and jazz-inspired pieces, keeping the room engaged with witty banter and impressive solo work. The performance was full of lighthearted moments, including a student playfully shouting, “I believe in you, Jeremy!” before a trombone solo.
Ultimately, this visit served as a reminder of the career possibilities available to young musicians, whether in performance, education, or musicology. We are so proud to support the music program at Cripple Creek-Victor and grateful to these five musicians for bringing the power of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic directly to the students.
