Nicole Anthony Schiff
Vice President of Advancement
After a busy summer of preparation, the Philharmonic’s historic 100th Season begins this weekend! In this issue, you’ll get a glimpse behind the scenes at the people, programs, and partnerships already bringing our Centennial Season to life—from new opportunities for young students and educators to memorable moments shared with our Philharmonic family.
As the Philharmonic’s new Vice President of Advancement, I’m excited to join you through High Notes and share the stories that make this organization and its community so special. Thank you for your support as we begin this extraordinary new chapter together.
Behind the Scenes: Developing Symphony Storytime
• A new program for K–2 students combines beloved books with live music, movement, and interactive learning
• Symphony Storytime programming is made possible, by generous funding from the John and Margot Lane Foundation
What happens when you combine a favorite picture book, two violas, a little imagination, and a room full of young students? You get Symphony Storytime, one of the newest programs being developed by the Philharmonic’s Center for Future Audiences.
Designed for students in kindergarten through second grade, Symphony Storytime brings books to life through live music, movement, storytelling, and interactive learning. This summer, Philharmonic musicians Erin Napier and Matt “Diek” Diekman joined the CFA team to explore more than 20 children’s books and discover how music could become part of the story. Learn more
The program recently had its first test audience when members of the Philharmonic Guild stepped back into kindergarten for an interactive pilot. Go behind the scenes to see how Symphony Storytime is taking shape. Learn more
Welcome Nicole
Nicole Anthony Schiff returns to the Philharmonic as Vice President of Advancement, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the region’s nonprofit, arts, and education communities. Her career includes leadership roles with the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, UCCS, and Early Connections Learning Centers, as well as helping raise philanthropic support for the Ent Center for the Arts. A longtime advocate for arts and education, Nicole also serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony. Learn more
Sugar Plums in the Making
• 105 local student dancers audition for The Nutcracker
• Dancers will perform alongside the Philharmonic, Oklahoma City Ballet, and students from the University of Oklahoma.
From nervous stretches and pinned-on audition numbers to plenty of excited smiles, CIVA Charter was buzzing as young dancers—some as young as eight—stepped into the audition room for their chance to be part of a beloved holiday tradition.
These auditions give local students an extraordinary opportunity to bring The Nutcracker to life on stage with professional musicians and dancers. Take a peek behind the scenes of audition day and meet some of the young artists hoping to join us this December. Learn more
Maestro’s Circle Celebrates Chloé at the Hollywood Bowl
This summer, Philharmonic friends traveled to Los Angeles for an unforgettable evening at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, celebrating Music Director Chloé Dufresne’s debut on one of the world’s most celebrated stages. Under the stars, guests enjoyed an all-Tchaikovsky program featuring Troupe Vertigo and the USC Trojan Marching Band—a memorable musical getaway shared with fellow Philharmonic supporters. View from the podium
Empowering Educators
• Harrison School District teachers received hands-on professional development with Philharmonic musicians
• New techniques and strategies go back to the classroom, reaching the next generation of young musicians
The Center for Future Audiences and Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale recently welcomed Harrison School District 2 music educators for a morning of specialized professional development. Teachers worked in small groups with Philharmonic musicians Susan Townsend, Jeremy Van Hoy, and Bob Jurkscheit, exploring techniques for woodwind, brass, and percussion instruction.
By investing in the educators who work with young musicians every day, the Philharmonic can extend its impact well beyond the concert hall. Go inside the workshop and see how collaboration is helping strengthen music education in our community. Learn more
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