Center for Future Audiences
Educators
District Partnerships
Empower your schools with a tiered suite of exclusive musical resources. From choir festivals and staff development to grant-writing support, we provide the collaborative tools needed to sustain a thriving arts curriculum.
Elementary Programs
Bring the magic of the Philharmonic to your students. From immersive concerts at the Pikes Peak Center to in-school lessons and ensemble performances, we offer tailored musical experiences for every classroom.
Philharmonic Kids Concert
Spark a passion for music through high-energy, live performances tailored for young ears. We provide the tools to tie every note back to your curriculum with pre-concert lessons and supporting materials, making it easy to bring the Philharmonic’s magic directly into your classroom.
Philharmonic Kids Link Up
Bridge the gap between learning and performing. Link Up provides schools with a robust, interactive curriculum including scripts, visuals, and lesson materials—all at no cost. Students develop their skills on the recorder throughout the year, eventually enjoying and participating in a concert at the Pikes Peak Center with the Philharmonic.
Symphony Storytime
Invite the Philharmonic to your school for a unique blend of music and storytelling. Our 30-minute classroom lessons are tailored to K–2 learning standards, offering a hands-on way for students to explore instruments through the lens of a story. Enhance the experience with a 45-minute ensemble performance for the entire school—contact the CFA to schedule your visit.
Nutcracker for a Day
Step Onto the Stage! Ignite a passion for performance by stepping onto the stage with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. This program welcomes students into the world of The Nutcracker, offering them the chance to perform alongside professional artists and explore the inner workings of the Pikes Peak Center.
Check back later this year for registration details.
Nutcracker Student Dancers
Join the tradition! We welcome student dancers (ages 7+) from the Pikes Peak Region to audition for various roles in our Thanksgiving weekend performances. This program provides young performers with professional stage experience, performing side-by-side with the Philharmonic and world-class guest artists. Visit our registration page for details and rehearsal schedules.
Registration is open! Register no later than September 9, 2026.
Middle & High School Programs
Elevate your school’s music program with immersive, professional-level training. Our Middle and High School offerings are designed to refine technical skills and build performance confidence through direct mentorship from Philharmonic musicians. From high-stakes Side-by-Side concerts to intimate Masterclasses and Music Clinics, we provide the bridge between the classroom and the professional stage.
Conductor in the Classroom
A premier opportunity for your ensemble to rehearse under the baton of Music Director Chloe Dufresne, Associate Conductor Thomas Wilson, or one of our world-renowned guest artist conductors. Experience professional-level insights during a standard school day.
Clinics & Sectionals
Give your ensemble a professional edge. Invite Philharmonic musicians to your school for targeted sectional coaching across all families—strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Whether you’re preparing for a festival, a competition, or a seasonal concert, our artists provide the technical “boost” and specialized insight needed to master your current repertoire and refine your group’s sound.
Masterclass
Our Masterclass series offers dedicated musicians a platform for professional growth and artistic discovery. Participants perform for a small group and engage in a “mini-lesson” with a visiting guest artist, gaining unique insights into interpretation, technique, and performance presence. Due to the intensive nature of these sessions, availability is limited and geared toward advanced-level players.
Side-by-Sides
Take your seat among the pros. This premier program pairs student musicians with Philharmonic members for a shared rehearsal and performance experience. Designed to inspire and challenge emerging artists, our Side-by-Sides offer a unique look at the world of professional music-making. For more information on availability and how to bring this program to your school, please contact the CFA.
District Choir Festival
A premier collaborative event that pairs student excellence with professional artistry. Following weeks of intensive preparation with their school directors, honor choir students from across the district join the Colorado Springs Philharmonic for a high-level performance under the baton of Maestro Thomas Wilson. This program provides young vocalists with the rare opportunity to perform sophisticated repertoire with a professional ensemble in a world-class venue.
Nutcracker Student Dancers
Do you have emerging student dancers ready to take their skills from the studio to the professional stage? We are seeking dancers (ages 7+) to audition for our landmark Thanksgiving weekend production of The Nutcracker. This unique opportunity allows your students to gain invaluable “real-world” experience performing side-by-side with the Philharmonic and world-class guest artists. It is the perfect way for your dancers to refine their technical skills and build confidence in a professional-level venue.
Registration is open! Register no later than September 9, 2026.
CFA Journal
Back to Kindergarten: Piloting “Symphony Storytime” with the Philharmonic Guild
July 29, 2026
Behind the Scenes: Developing Our New “Storytime” Pilot
July 8, 2026
Building Stronger Arts Partnerships in Pikes Peak Schools
June 4, 2026