Our History

The History of Inside the Orchestra 

Inside the Orchestra (IO) is a professional orchestra company solely dedicated to children’s music education and formerly known as the Junior Symphony Guild (JSG).  The guild was established in 1958 by  a group of “junior” (40 and under) aged women whose original mission was to support classical and symphonic music programs in the Denver metropolitan community. The JSG broadened the overall Guild agenda, originating the Tiny Tots program and introducing the Designer Showhouse in 1975. In 1979, the Junior Symphony Guild became an autonomous, independent organization of its own, and in 1983 applied for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. In 2012, Inside the Orchestra legally changed its name from Junior Symphony Guild.  

In the 1980s, the women of the Guild recognized a need for vibrant educational programs to introduce young children to orchestral music, and a need to provide a diverse set of students and families with the opportunity for exposure to orchestra music in a way they would not receive otherwise. Music Director, Tom Jensen, was hired and the Tiny Tots program was created and became a favorite family tradition within the Denver metro community.  Tom was the leader of the organization for many years, ensuring that many young people had the opportunity to fall in love with orchestral music.  The staff and musicians of Inside the Orchestra often hear from parents at performances who remember attending a show when they were young – we are humbled by this tradition. 

With children in mind, unique and interactive school programs have evolved with the commitment to engage young people  in a way that plants the seeds for a life-long appreciation of music and to support  music education provided within the educational system.  Today the organization continues to provide public programming across the community and in school and library settings.  

Inside the Orchestra has evolved over the years but always remains committed to its mission to bring orchestral music to children through engaging and interactive experience.  In 2018, under the leadership of Executive Director Shelby Mattingly, the organization adopted values around equity and inclusion, further committing to a future where the organization helps reduce barriers to the performing arts and orchestra music by ensuring accessibility, affordability and representation of diverse composers.   Inside the Orchestra worked with the Latino Leadership Institute and Tony Pares (Who served as the President of the Board at the time) to introduce multilingual programming; a project that was made possible thanks to the appointment of Conductor Steven Aguilo-Arbues. The organization grew under the leadership of Mattingly with the creation of a series of Tiny Tots performances with different themes and curriculums; further, virtual content and curriculum was established in 2020, ensuring that programming continued throughout the pandemic and that IO remained financially sound during challenging years.  

Inside the Orchestra has a rich  history dedicated to supporting and providing music education. We are proud of our history and the many people who have ensured the longevity of this treasured institution.  We are mindful that we couldn’t exist without the contributions of so many musicians, leaders and volunteers over the years.  

Special Recognition – with deepest gratitude for their contributions:

• Members of the Junior Symphony Guild – Thank you!
• Tom Jensen – Former Conductor and  Music Director of Inside the Orchestra 
• Nancy Carnes Roddy, Former Board President 
• Barbara Reece, Former Board President
• Linda Zinn, Former Board President 
• Marie Cramer, Former Board President
• Linda Bryant, Former Board President
• Christine Thomas, Former Board President 
• Jane Wilson, Former Board President 
• Carole Kramer, Former Board President 
• Cassandra Netzke, Former Board President
• Jeff Althaus, Former Board President   
• Antonio Pares, Former Board President 
• Kellyn Smith, Former Board President 
• William Braunstein, Former Board President
• Shelby Mattingly – Executive Director 2012- 2022

*Who are we missing?  Help us fill in the blanks and recognize everyone who has made Inside the Orchestra what it is today. Please reach out to us at info@insidetheorchestra.org and let us know who to add to our list.  

In Memory of Tom Jensen, Music Director

Inside the Orchestra has deep gratitude for immense contributions of Tom.