Nicole Anthony Schiff
Vice President of Advancement
One of the joys of being part of the Philharmonic is seeing how a musical experience can open a door. For a young child, it might be meeting a musician before a first concert. For an aspiring composer, it might be sharing an original piece and hearing encouragement from someone who understands the creative process.
This issue of High Notes celebrates those connections—and the support you give that makes them possible. Together, we’re giving young people a place in the Philharmonic’s next century.
Big Discoveries for Little Listeners
• Bringing interactive music lessons to more than 1,000 first and second graders at 18 elementary schools.
• Preparing young listeners for The Carnival of the Animals with the Philharmonic.
The concert experience began long before students arrived at the concert hall! Philharmonic musicians Diek Diekman and JJ Sechan joined CFA Program Coordinator Karl Heffernan for classroom visits to 18 elementary schools, reaching more than 1,000 first and second graders. Through live viola and bassoon demonstrations, conducting activities, and a story brought to life with music, students discovered how an orchestra works. These personal connections helped young listeners arrive at The Carnival of the Animals feeling confident, curious, and ready to experience the music.
Philharmonic on Fox 21
FOX21 recently featured violist Diek Diekman’s visit to Steele Elementary, where students got a musical introduction ahead of The Carnival of the Animals. These classroom visits spark curiosity and help young listeners feel ready for their concert experience—opening the door to a lifelong love of music.
Sparking the Next Generation of Composers
• Connecting nearly 30 aspiring composers with Composer-in-Residence Eunike Tanzil.
• Exploring original student works through practical advice, creative conversation, and personalized feedback.
Aspiring composers had the chance to share their music and learn from a professional during the Center for Future Audiences’ Young Composers Workshop. Nearly 30 high school and college students gathered at Colorado College to work with Philharmonic Composer-in-Residence Eunike Tanzil, who shared her path into composing and offered practical feedback on student pieces. She also demonstrated how a simple melody can grow into a composition, turning a student’s hummed tune into piano music on the spot. Students can now submit original works for consideration at a second workshop with Eunike.
Opening Doors for Young Musician
From the classroom to the stage, the Center for Future Audiences is helping young musicians learn, grow, and share their talents. These two stories celebrate the connections that make those opportunities possible.
Young talent takes the spotlight: Two Colorado Springs Conservatory students delighted Nightcap audiences with humor, theatrical flair, and music ranging from The Beatles to Broadway.
Inspiration in the classroom: Pianist Jean-Baptiste Doulcet visited Doherty High School to share his musical journey and offer a student personal coaching in an inspiring masterclass.
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