About Us
Colorado Springs
Youth Symphony
Founded in 1980 by Gary Nicholson, the CSYSA has grown from 70 musicians to over 600 students across 12 programs. Serving the Pikes Peak Region and beyond, the CSYSA offers elite audition-based ensembles, the Mozart String Project for beginners, and various summer intensives like the Manitou Chamber Music Festival, Summer Orchestra, and various music camps. CSYSA remains dedicated to providing premier musical education to young people across our region.
We Matter
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We enrich the cultural landscape of the community with high-quality musical performances. We provide opportunities for community members to experience and appreciate classical and jazz music.
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We engage local youth in positive, structured activities, helping to reduce delinquency and promote academic achievement.
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We foster community pride and unity by showcasing the talents and achievements of local young musicians.
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We strengthen intergenerational connections through coaching and mentorship.
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We contribute to the local economy by drawing audiences to performances and supporting jobs in music education.
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We enhance the community's reputation for supporting arts and education, making it an attractive place for families and businesses.
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We inspire future generations to pursue music and arts, ensuring the ongoing vitality of the local cultural scene.
What We Offer
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We offer a nurturing musical home for young musicians to discover and grow.
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We foster a vibrant community where peer coaching and mentoring happen naturally.
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We develop meaningful relationships.
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We provide a sense of place that instills stability, focus, and identity.
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We believe music diminishes boundaries between people.
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We enable our students to feel valued, safe, and freely express themselves.
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We create a sense of belonging and collaboration with peers that contributes to personal and musical development.
Read About Our Impact
Our Staff

Deborah Liles
Executive Director

Kathryn Vickous
Office Administrator

Miranda Colwell
Office Manager

Morgan Smith
Office Assistant
Our Board of Directors

Cheryl Schwartz
President

Deborah Liles
Executive Director, ex-officio

Stephen Hock
Member

Amanda Schroeder
Member

Melissa Foster
Vice President

Gary Nicholson
Music Director, ex-officio

Bruce Latimer
Member

Ninet Sinaii
Member

Shannon Jones
Treasurer

Gary Foote
Member

Nancy Pittman
Member

David Schwartz
Secretary

Jennifer Dahle-Mesaether
Member

Nicole Anthony Schiff
Member















