A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has presented itself to the Colorado Springs Conservatory (CSC). This is an opportunity that will allow the Conservatory to devote more of its resources ultimately to the outstanding programming we have offered since 1994. Only a few months ago, we were approached by Colorado Springs School District 11 with an offer that would propel our ability as an organization to flourish and more fully accomplish our mission which is ‘to inspire, motivate and challenge students to aspire to their highest potential as artists and human beings through arts immersion studies and community advocacy.’
On June 27th, 2008 the Colorado Springs School District 11 and the Colorado Springs Conservatory announced a partnership between the two organizations in which the Conservatory will move its facilities to D11’s new Galileo School of Math and Science at 1600 N. Union Boulevard. The Board of Directors at the CSC and D11 Board of Education unanimously support the pursing this option, along with the staff.
The partnership is contracted for a minimum of 5 years and provides a rent and utility free opportunity for the Conservatory. It allows even more students in the Pikes Peak region to engage in their custom approach to arts education that builds self-esteem, social-interaction, community awareness and ultimately, young, committed citizens who have confidence and a creative skill set.
Beginning this fall, the Conservatory will provide our expertise in arts immersion to the approximately 250 students enrolled at Galileo (6th grade only in ‘08/’09 school year). Students that are at Galileo School will be able to partake in a ‘rotation’ of arts related classes that cross-curricular with the academics of the Math/Science Magnet. Monthly academic projects such as robotics, mass, forensics, and space will be enhanced with tutelage by CSC faculty through studies in composition, theory, theater, art, and movement.
The after school, ‘core’ immersion studies will continue to provide outstanding curriculum and private studies directed toward those students that very much want to pursue the performing arts or maintain a very high level of study while pursuing interests in other things such as medicine, engineering or law. The expansive space now made available to the CSC will allow more performances by students, faculty and community partners as well.
This opportunity is unprecedented and demonstrates D11’s collaborative and innovative approach towards strategic partnerships that contribute to the greatest good of our youth. The 29,000 students in D11 will now have access to our programs like never before, and the CSC and our talented students will celebrate increased awareness in the community thanks to this.
A move was inevitable for the Conservatory. Due to increasing interest in the CSC’s programs, the current facility has become too small to accommodate the growing student base and is prohibiting the organization from further enhancing programs for the benefit of existing and potential students. We will continue to bring students and music to all sectors of the community, as community outreach and arts advocacy is part of the CSC’s mission.
