Inside the Orchestra

I have been working with Inside the Orchestra (ISO) as an intern for a little over two months. The small but dedicated staff is made up the most passionate people - they truly care about the impact of music and music education in children's lives. Hours upon hours are spent each day, working to raise funds to ensure that ISO can bring their interactive orchestral programs to children in schools who might not otherwise be able to attend a live music performance. In watching the children laugh, listen, dance, conduct, and ask questions during performances, it's obvious to me that they are having so much fun, without even knowing that they are learning and developing in ways that only music can help provide. ISO is a unique organization that all families should know about!

I have been involved with Inside the Orchestra for 5 years or so wearing a variety of hats. We put on orchestra music programs for schools in & around Colorado, for under privileged children. Our concerts are unique because the children sit in the middle of a circle surrounded by the orchestra instruments & they are part of the story that unfolds with the music.
We put on these concerts in the spring & in the winter, each one costing us $2,000.00+ apiece.
We raise the money for these programs doing fund raising events, selling memberships, obtaining grants, asking for donations, etc.
Working with the children & watching them inter-act with the mucisians at the concerts is what keeps me coming back.

The wonder and joy on children’s faces at these concerts is something to behold. They are learning in leaps and bounds as they listen and participate. In a time when the arts are disappearing from the schools, this program can provide that essential arts-based experience to all children, and do so engagingly and at a much lower cost than any school or other arts organization. I became an ISO board member because I believe in the importance of the arts-based experience and what this organization can do to in service of that idea.

I was first introduced to this organization earlier this summer by a friend who works with Inside the Orchestra. I was immediately interested in learning more about how I could help as I am a firm believer in how essential music is for children of all ages. This organization does a phenomenal job of educating those young and old about not only the fundamentals of an orchestra but the emotion, the passion and the espressiveness of the music. Watching my first concert was a magical experience - to see children's faces light up as the pieces are performed is priceless. The musicians are excellent and the conductor helps bring an entertaining, light-hearted approach to the learning element of the performance. More families need to know about this opportunity to expose their children to classical music in an intimate, comfortable platform - it is truly a one of a kind experience!

I first discovered Inside the Orchestra last Spring, while attending a performance with my two children. We have attended several others since then. There aren't too many things that I can say are genuinely "fun for the whole family", however, this is one of those experiences. The conductor makes the music accessible for young children, while being entertaining for adults. As for the children, the ability to be so close to the musicians and the instruments is incredibly unique and serves to set the stage for a life long love of music. My four year old daughter has been asking to play the violin since watching the first performance, just had her first lesson yesterday and already has ambitions of being one of the child soloists for Inside the Orchestra. I can't say enough about this wonderful organization!

inside the Orchestra is an incredible organization designed to impact the lives of children through orchestral music. From programs in schools to educate young students about the history of orchestra music and legendary composers, to the "Tiny Tots" program impacting young children, bringing awareness of orchestra music and inspiration for the future to our youngest generation, Inside the Orchestra is changing lives in the community one performance at at time. As a new board member, I recently attended a Tiny Tots program at Temple Emmanuel school in Cherry Creek. It was incredible to see the excitement on the children's faces being able to sit literally inside an orchestra, experience a live opera singer, and listening to a child piano soloist perform with orchestra accompaniment. If you haven't experienced Inside the Orchestra, the program will change your children's lives forever.

This is the 2nd year we have attended. I have a two year old and love the opportunity this brings to enlighten my child with the expression of music. She is allowed up close, first hand experience of musicians playing different instruments. It exposes her to music that may not normally appeal to her because its mostly instrumental. But it allows her to engage closely as she watches a trumpet player or violinist or drummer (etc) perform! She loves it and I love the memories that the music brings. A beautiful reminder of my own childhood.

My family attended our first Inside the Orchestra performance today. It definitely won't be our last. We enjoyed it so much. Our only complaint was that it was over too quick. What a great experience for the whole family. My two year old and seven year old were both mesmorized.

I became Secretary of the Board in 2010. By 2012 I was promoted to President of the Board. I have never worked with a more passionate, dedicated, and selfless group of people! Board members routinely go beyond expectations by donating countless hours to fundraising and development of this amazing group. The conductor not only creates a magical experience for the children but also tirelessly recruits and champions the cause of ISO. It's a rare occasion for the conductor to show up at a board meeting without a donation of some kind. The musicians are all professional, personable, and wonderful with the kids. The show is captivating and really incorporates children into the wonderful world of classical music. They learn about the inner workings of an orchestra, what goes on behind the scenes, and how to deconstruct the performance. Truly a unique, engaging show!

As a new Board member (Secretary), I am very impressed with the dedication and hard work of the other Board members and volunteers of Inside the Orchestra. Their enthusiasm for bringing cultural events in the form of concert music to adults and children in our local communities is outstanding. Their tireless efforts and the support and generosity of donors will insure our goal to continue to inspire and entertain our community members.

When it comes to the attention of a child, the field is pretty packed with competitors. It would be a little jaded to suggest that most of the winners in that competition are a touch on the vapid side, so maybe I'm a little jaded. To see this kind of effort put forward and with such effect is reassuring. I couldn't be more impressed.

The passion within this organization from the board members to the musicians is quite clear and contagious. It has been an incredible experience working with the members of this group to bring music to the ears of those who would not have otherwise experienced it. I'm looking forward to continuing my volunteer work with this group!

I have recently joined the board for Inside the Orchestra (ISO) and have been exceedingly surprised by the organization's commitment to serving children throughout the Denver community. Tom Jensen, the music director, definitely puts his whole heart into his work. His energetic personality helps to spark the musical interests of all those who attend our events. I truly hope all families throughout Denver can make it to an event and take advantage of the many benefits of membership with ISO. Not only is it a great way to improve children's musical abilities early on, but membership provides free tickets, discounts at local stores and more!