Interview with Gary Nicholson, music director/conductor of Colorado

Gary Nicholson weaves dreams into the musical notes and movements he composes as a musician and a teacher.

So, it comes with little surprise that he sees a need for schools to keep music as part of their curriculum. Nicholson said he believes there is a correlation between the musical education children receive and well-educated adults.

He took time recently to tell CSBJ about himself and his organization.

Organization: Colorado Springs Youth Symphony

Position: Music director and conductor

Hometown: Wichita, Kan.

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: 31 years

Education: Degrees in music education and music performance with honors

A few words about your organization: Founded in 1980, the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony offers high-level music performance opportunities and life-leadership training for its members. There are eight levels of instruction.

During 2000, the Youth Symphony won first place in the Full Orchestra category at the International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna, Austria.

Recent accomplishments: Conducting the Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

Biggest career break: Moving to Colorado Springs to accept a teaching job and then winning the audition for the Colorado Springs Symphony as a trumpet player.

The toughest part of your job: There are many constituents that make up our organization: musicians, parents, private teachers, public school teachers, staff and board. Each has a different set of goals and expectations, as well as different approaches and experiences. Combining all of these inputs into a cohesive, focused organization that fulfills everyone's expectations is very challenging.

Someone you admire: I admire anyone who has the desire and tenacity to overcome adversity, who pursues excellence in the midst of mediocrity and challenges himself or herself daily to make a positive contribution.

About your family: I have a wonderful wife, Donna, and a very talented son, Aaron, plus two entertaining miniature dachshunds, Kiwi and Sydney.

Something else you'd like to accomplish: Find a permanent home for the Youth Symphony organization.

How your business will change in the next decade: The Internet and video games/movies delivered to your door have changed many people's entertainment behavior. Getting people to leave their neighborhood to pursue music making and attend concerts will require an even higher quality and more visible product that people will want to experience.

Also, CSAP tests have significantly altered the school climate. Since music is not on the test, a number of administrators now question the value of having music in the school curriculum.

If we want well-educated adults, we have to keep music a part of our children's education -- this is a huge challenge for us and our community.

What book are you currently reading? "Mill on the Floss" by George Eliot

What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? That all parents be actively involved in their child's school and education. After all, parents are the first and most influential teacher that a child has.

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