Board of Directors

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                         2025 - 2026

 

 

​Cheryl Schwartz, President

Grew up in St. Louis, has lived in Colorado Springs since 1990. Avid bridge player, amateur singer and serial board member. Raised 2 children who were both involved in music. Active in the Arts community. Now enjoys spending time with the grandchildren and keeping busy.

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​Melissa Foster, Vice President

A retired career educator in both elementary and secondary schools, and is a committed advocate for music education and performance experiences for young people. She is a trustee with the Palmer Land Trust, is a committed community participant and is active in her church.

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Shannon Jones, Treasurer

​Retired from a career with King Soopers, Shannon has seen the benefits that a music education has given his two sons who participated in CSYSA. A one time volunteer for School District 11, Shannon is also on the board of the Vintage Car Club of America, Pikes Peak region. 

 

 

 

 

​​​David Schwartz, Secretary

Raised in NYC, David came to love the performing and visual arts at an early age.  He and Cheryl have been strong supporters of many local arts organizations since the early 90’s.  Their son played with CSYSA; their daughter sang with Children’s Chorale.  Now, retired from medical practice, David continues to stay busy with family, friends, music, theater, and stuff. 

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​Amanda Schroeder, Parent Council Chair

​A 5th generation Coloradan but, having a restless mother and then becoming an Army brat, she has also lived in PA, NY, MD, Germany, GA, AL, and ID. Her musical talents include, singing “well” if the car stereo is loud enough and playing flute in high school. Amanda has volunteered with CSYSA since camp in 2019. Amanda has two kids. Her daughter just started college to become a nurse and her son is a junior in high school. Her son has worked his way up from the Mozart String Project to Ovation.​

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Gary Foote
Outreach Committee Chair, moved to the Springs following a NYC career in marketing/ new product development with Lever Brothers, Clairol, and global confectioner Ferrero. Gary sings in the Broadmoor Community Church Choir.

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Stephen Hock

Retired music educator (Band, Choir, Orchestra) in School Districts #11, #20, and #38) for 53 years in the Pikes Peak Region. Presently on the music staff of First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs. Past member of the Colorado Springs Symphony and the Pueblo Symphony. Interest include cycling, fly fishing, hiking, reading and travel. Lives in Palmer Lake with wife, Carolyn.

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Nancy Pittman

Nancy is a past CSYSA board president, past president of Philharmonic Guild and a community volunteer.

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Bruce Latimer​

Bruce is a retired Verizon Business programmer, and had a previous Air Force career ending as principal clarinetist in the Academy Band. All three sons were active in music in school; two were active in Youth Symphony. The youngest son teaches elementary music. Bruce volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, and enjoys woodworking as a hobby.​​​​

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​​Jennifer Grant

Jen retired from the military after nearly 28 years of service.  She and her family returned to Colorado Springs upon retirement, and both of her children are currently in the Pikes Peak Winds band.  She joined the Board in August 2024 after serving a year as a Parent Manager for Bravo Winds.  She is continuing her service as a Parent Manager for Pikes Peak Winds.  She is a supporter of the arts and enjoys a variety of musical and live performances, is an advocate for creating spaces and opportunities for collaboration and building relationships across CSYSA and the surrounding communities, and is honored to be a part of the Board. She and her family actively support their church, school, and community neighborhood.

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Deborah Liles, Executive Director (non-voting)

Gary Nicholson, Music Director (non-voting)