The Pagosa Springs Instrumental Music Society (PSIMS) Community Band is preparing for the annual spring concert, which will be held in the Pagosa Springs High School auditorium at 7 p.m. on May 16.
We will start rehearsals for this concert on Sunday, April 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the high school band room, continuing every Sunday thereafter until the concert.
Our talented conductors, Leo Baughman (also known as the high school band director), Malinda Burnett (our amazing middle school music program director), Anika Borders (the ever-patient elementary school music program director) and Suzanne Hill (retired music director, flautist and pianist) will lead us in celebrating American and especially Coloradan composers.
The PSIMS is a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to bring music into the lives of the people of Pagosa Springs. Our motto is “Music for Life.”
Music enriches the lives of the audience as well as the performers. We support music education in the community by welcoming all brave souls who have an instrument they “used” to play or the desire to pick up a new one.
If you don’t have an instrument, contact us at pagoasaspringsIMS@gmail.com and we may be able to hook you up with one to get started with.
Last summer Burnett loaned me a clarinet since I couldn’t play my violin after a shoulder injury. Now I’m playing my own clarinet for Pagosa Springs High School’s “The Little Mermaid.” Don’t miss it.
Our performances are always free and we love to provide them for you. We gratefully accept donations at our concerts, through Colorado Gives Day (look up PSIMS), and through annual sponsorships. Donations go toward operating expenses, music purchases, scholarships for our high school graduates continuing in music, and strengthening music education in Pagosa Springs.
This past year we awarded three $1,000 scholarships to local students and supported the high school music department with a $1,000 grant for instrument maintenance and support.
Here in Pagosa Springs we are blessed with a strong music program all the way from elementary school through high school. Music opens the mind. It strengthens the brain at all ages, resulting in higher IQ and sharper thinking as we age.
The Merit School of Music lists many benefits for playing music all through your life, including that the development of positive attitudes learned through music-making — such as confidence, independence, perseverance, leadership and personal responsibility — prepare you for lifelong success. If you don’t believe me, check out meritmusic.org and read more for yourself, and come support your community band.
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