In addition to the Pueblo Symphony Association’s (PSA) goals of enhancing the cultural environment of the community, the PSA focuses on promoting the role of the arts in educational excellence. Music Education plays a significant role in our mission statement: “The purpose of the Pueblo Symphony Association is to provide a quality musical experience for the people of the City and County of Pueblo by recognizing that music is a vital feature of the artistic, cultural, and educational life of a community.” In 2001, a plan was devised by a Music Education Committee which is composed of individuals from four entities: the PSA; School District 60; School District 70; and Colorado State University Pueblo. We began with three programs in music education, and we now support ten programs. These programs require approximately ¼ of the entire budget of the PSA. The Pueblo Youth Symphony is one of the ten programs. Our Music Education Committee meets regularly and has suggested adding another program for youth which is the Pueblo Youth Symphony Concertino. This will be a group of young string musicians who are not yet ready to perform with the Pueblo Youth Symphony Orchestra but will now have their own orchestra, the Concertino. This group will be supported by area string teachers, both school districts, and the PSA. We are currently in the planning stages and hope to be able to begin meeting with these young musicians in the fall. We are in a unique position with all of our programs because we have a proven track record in our Music Education programs. Orchestras are essential and active partners in increasing access to music education. We deliver a wide array of programs that improve their quality of life in our community; promote understanding of other cultures; foster pride in our community; and contribute to the education and development of these students. We do so by collaborating with the school systems and other local partners. Orchestras stand up for better education for all youngsters. Music Education is an indispensable part of life-long learning and participation in music programs prepares students to succeed in school, work, and life. Music is a key component in
a child’s well-rounded education. Being part of an orchestra encourages children to develop their talents and to experience teamwork, self-discipline, and individual expression. The PSA would not be able to fulfill our mission without the support of the entire organization, including our wonderful parents. An active level of parent participation will be essential for their success. It is the parents who take an active role in supporting not only their children, but all students involved in our programs, to be able to achieve the success that will be required of these students. We will need the parent’s help as volunteers, and we will be setting up a parent’s organization for these students in the fall. Thank you for your interest in our programs and our students. Please check our website: pueblosymphony.com
We will be posting information soon on the activities beginning in the fall.
June King
Executive Director of the PSA
Andrzej Grabiec
Pueblo Symphony Conductor
Polish violinist Andrzej Grabiec, prize winner at the Fifth International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition in Poland (1967) & the International Jacques Thibaud Violin Competition in Paris, France (1969), has performed as a soloist in symphonic concerts and recitals worldwide.
An honored graduate and later professor of the Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, Poland in 1972, Mr. Grabiec immediately became Soloist and Concertmaster of the Polish National Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra and leader of Capella per Musica da Camera.
Mr. Grabiec immigrated to the United States
in 1979, with a successful recital debut in 1984. He has been the Concertmaster of the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Mozart Festival Chamber Orchestra. In 2002 Mr. Grabiec presented the world premiere of the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. Mr. Grabiec has taught and performed at many summer festivals here and across Europe.
Dr. Alexander Magalong
Pueblo Youth Symphony Conductor
Dr. Alexander Magalong has recently served as assistant conductor of the Palm Beach Symphony, associate conductor of the Frost Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra conductor for the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, and conductor for the Miami Music Project. He has also served
as adjunct professor and Interim Director of Orchestral Studies at Florida Atlantic University
in Boca Raton, Florida. According to the South Florida Classical Review, “Magalong was particularly adept at keeping the ensemble cohesive during the tricky twists of melodic phrasing.” Dr. Magalong holds a Bachelor of Arts
in Music from the University of Denver and two graduate degrees (a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts) in Instrumental Conducting from
the University of Miami. He was selected as a participant for the 2018 Ithaca International Conducting Masterclass. Dr. Magalong was recently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant
in the U.S. Army Reserves at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He is an Engineer Officer for the 297th ECC in
Ft. Richardson, Alaska. He enjoys weightlifting, running, board games, and salsa and
Argentine tango dancing.
Dr. Zahari Metchkov awarded
the Colorado State Music Teachers Association 2022 Teacher
of the Year