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Mission statement
The mission of the Junior Symphony Guild is to bring orchestra music to young children in the greater Denver metropolitan community, cultivating music appreciation and enhancing their education through an engaging first-hand experience with the orchestra.
The history of JSG
The Junior Symphony Guild (JSG) is celebrating a rich history of 50+
years as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the
orchestra in Denver's community. The JSG was established in 1958 by a
group of “junior” aged women whose original mission was to support
classical and symphonic music in the Denver metropolitan community.
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These ladies of the JSG raised over $4 million through fund raisers,
such as their Designer Showhouse, and private contributions to lend
financial support to the Denver Symphony Orchestra (DSO).
During the period of supporting the DSO, the Guild realized that there existed a need and an opportunity to introduce children to the orchestra in a way which would engage them and spark a love for the arts. With a directive to “never bore the children”, the JSG hired Thomas H. Jensen (conductor of the Colorado Ballet and radio broadcaster) 24 years ago as Music Director. Maestro Jensen created our “Inside the Orchestra” programs, recognized in 1997 by the American Symphony Orchestra League as "best in the nation." The programs and following have grown to reach over 25,000 children (ages 6 and under, and grades K-8) and care-givers each season throughout the Denver metropolitan area.
The Junior Symphony Guild is unique from other organizations such as the Colorado Symphony Orchestra in that our sole mission is to bring orchestra music to children through music education outreach programs.
During the period of supporting the DSO, the Guild realized that there existed a need and an opportunity to introduce children to the orchestra in a way which would engage them and spark a love for the arts. With a directive to “never bore the children”, the JSG hired Thomas H. Jensen (conductor of the Colorado Ballet and radio broadcaster) 24 years ago as Music Director. Maestro Jensen created our “Inside the Orchestra” programs, recognized in 1997 by the American Symphony Orchestra League as "best in the nation." The programs and following have grown to reach over 25,000 children (ages 6 and under, and grades K-8) and care-givers each season throughout the Denver metropolitan area.
The Junior Symphony Guild is unique from other organizations such as the Colorado Symphony Orchestra in that our sole mission is to bring orchestra music to children through music education outreach programs.
2011-2012 Board of Directors
Julie Weinstein - President
Cassandra Netzke - Vice President and Acting Secretary
Tina Ye - Treasurer
Carole Kramer - Past President and Social Chair
Josh Beckerman - Membership
Shanna Powell
Don Johnson
Joel Bogen
Volunteer Opportunities:
The Junior Symphony Guild has a rich history of volunteerism in the Denver metro community since 1958. Volunteers have been the life-blood of the organization since its inception and work hand-in-hand with the staff to continue to bring orchestral music to young children.The JSG welcomes volunteers in many areas:
Serving on the Board of Directors and the Corporate Advisory Board
Planning Special Events
Working concerts
Sharing expertise in PR, marketing, and even database management
How can you help? Get in touch with us at:
volunteer@insidetheorchestra.com
Thomas H. Jensen - Music Director
A seasoned conductor, musician, educator and voice talent, Thomas H. Jensen captivates audiences, young and old,
with enthusiasm and flair. With his extensive background as a musician and educator, and his dedication to contributing
to the community through the arts, Jensen was hired in 1986 by the JSG to design and lead Inside the Orchestra.
Jensen crafted the JSG music education programs to introduce children to the orchestra in an engaging way. Given the directive
to "never bore the children," he uses theater of the mind activities to connect the young audience with the orchestral
repertoire and its instruments. Tom is a tireless advocate of excellence in the arts, getting children more involved
with music through school programs and private lessons.
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Mr. Jensen earned his degree in Music and Conducting from Hamline University in MN, and after his graduate work at Texas
Christian University, founded and served as music director of the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio. Later, he served as
music director of the Twin City Institute for Talented Youth, music director of the Colorado Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet,
and guest conductor of the Denver Chamber Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Nashville Ballet.
Tom is a renowned presence in the media. From the stage to the air waves, his vibrant personality attracts media attention. In the Pikes Peak region, he became known as the Marathon Maestro for conducting a herculean 24 hour session to raise money and awareness for the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Since 1986, Tom has hosted his own radio talk shows in Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Boston, San Antonio and Las Vegas. Tom has recently done voice over work for for the Baldwin Piano Company and Brooks Tower, and has written and produced many other commercials.
Tom is a renowned presence in the media. From the stage to the air waves, his vibrant personality attracts media attention. In the Pikes Peak region, he became known as the Marathon Maestro for conducting a herculean 24 hour session to raise money and awareness for the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Since 1986, Tom has hosted his own radio talk shows in Denver, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Boston, San Antonio and Las Vegas. Tom has recently done voice over work for for the Baldwin Piano Company and Brooks Tower, and has written and produced many other commercials.