Letter from the Executive Director

/ News / By

Letter from the Executive Director

Happy New (Fiscal) Year from Inside the Orchestra!

July 1 marks the beginning of our new fiscal year, and we’re entering it with gratitude, momentum, and a renewed commitment to the transformative power of music. Before we turn the page, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the successes of Fiscal Year 2025 and the community that made it all possible.

I recently attended the League of American Orchestras Annual Conference, where I was reminded once again of the remarkable uniqueness of Inside the Orchestra. As far as we know, we remain the only professional orchestra in the world solely dedicated to childhood music education. And we don’t just bring music to children, we build it around them, making them the center of the orchestra, and the heart of the experience.

One highlight of the conference was a panel led by renowned soprano Renée Fleming as part of her Music and the Mind initiative. Her book compiles essays from researchers and practitioners exploring music’s powerful role in brain development, emotional health, and human connection. I was struck by how deeply aligned this message is with our work. Our musicians, staff, and volunteers are bringing music to schools, libraries, and performance venues in ways that foster awe, belonging and simple joy.

This year, we took bold steps toward our vision that every child deserves access to high-quality interactive and inclusive musical experiences. Here are a few examples:

Expanding Reach & Deepening Impact:

  • Reached more than 17,000 children and caregivers through live, interactive programming – 20% growth over the prior year
  • Delivered 140 programs in the community including 45 Tiny Tots concerts across the Front Range and chamber programs in schools, libraries and community centers.  
  • Launched our new “Music of the World” concert in February 2025, celebrating global cultures, led by our bilingual conductor Steven Aguiló-Arbues
  • Featured diverse instruments alongside our traditional orchestra instruments at our “Diverse Colorado”  Tiny Tots concerts: Native American flute, Chinese erhu, Japanese taiko drums, and a debut partnership with Colorado Youth Mariachi.  Additionally, we shined a spotlight on Denver’s musical history by featuring “Lullaby” by local jazz legend George Morrison, a longtime champion of music in public schools
  • Expanded accessibility initiatives including the introduction of American Sign Language interpretation, and added Quiet Spaces at select venues for children with sensory differences.  

Organizational Resilience & Financial Health:

  • Reduced operating costs by over $140,000 through tough but necessary decisions—including office relocation, staff restructuring, and temporary wage freezes. 
  • Achieved a 10% increase in earned and contributed revenue, a testament to your generosity and our team’s resilience
  • Celebrated our 40th anniversary with a successful fundraising campaign and community event

Growth & Leadership:

  • Welcomed four new board members:
    • Dionne Stroter (Colorado Dept. of Local Affairs)
    • Neyla Pekarek (musician/composer)
    • Karee Justice-Bondy (Music Together)
    • Caroline Baudinet Stumpf (PNC Bank)
  • Established or deepened partnerships with:
    • Clayton Early Learning & PNC Bank
    • CPR Classical
    • T2 Dance Company
    • Colorado Youth Mariachi
    • Cherry Creek Chorale
    • Colorado Black Arts Festival
    • Continued work with Central City Opera, Kim Robards Dance, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Community Response:

In response to rising costs, we have raised our ticket prices but remain committed to accessibility – we have a completely open door policy so families can request free or reduced-price tickets with no questions asked. One parent recently shared:

“Our hearts are going out to you! I appreciate the support and providing us with this wonderful opportunity to attend the concerts. My daughter is only 1 year old, and she has been enjoying the concerts a lot… always bouncing in her seat, watching other participants, and just purely having fun. We have been having a difficult time to afford basics and going to a concert like this is more than a treat—SO THANK YOU!”

Another wrote:

“Thank you very much for the free tickets. I don’t have the funds for enjoyable experiences like this that I want my kiddos to have. I look forward to brighter times ahead when I’ll have the means to pay, but for right now I deeply appreciate your organization giving a hand to those in need.”

These notes keep us grounded and focused. They are a reminder that what we do matters deeply.

As we look ahead to FY26, we remain focused on strategic revenue growth, sustainable staffing and fair pay, and continuing to offer vibrant programming that is inclusive, accessible, and joyful for all.

Thank you for being part of our community. Whether you’re a donor, musician, teacher, partner, or audience member, you helped to make  this year possible. 

Warmly, 

Tiff Pallotto

Scroll to Top