Much of the funding will go to support the ongoing work of the Boulder Symphony Music Academy, which opened in August. “As an extension to Boulder Symphony’s Education and Outreach Program, our goal is to offer an environment in which students of diverse backgrounds and ages have the opportunity to explore their unique musical talents and to bring the best of themselves, their creativity and their intellectual skills to their music and life,” Hughes said.

In addition to money going to support music lessons, Hughes is dedicated to using funds to secure aspiring musicians a chance to partake in the offerings regardless of income. “A portion of all money raised on Colorado Gives Day will go toward the scholarship fund at BSMA,” Hughes said. “As with our orchestra programs, we do not want financial hardship to be a reason someone cannot participate in BSMA.”

“One of the coolest things about arts and cultural organizations in the United States is that we’re supported and owned directly by the voters and taxpayers,” Hughes said. “The people of Colorado have shown time and time again that they want and need the arts in their lives. We are so fortunate to live in a city that values culture and arts and every year Colorado Gives Day proves that.”

Read the entire feature by Daily Camera’s Kalene McCort below: