Valley Symphony Association

==Valley Symphony Association== The '''Valley Symphony Association''' (VSA) is a nonprofit organization that has been bringing classical music to life on Colorado’s Western Slope since its inception. Based in Montrose, Colorado, the VSA serves a significant role in culturally enriching the community through its orchestral and choral performances. It is recognized for its commitment to the transformative power of music, aiming to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. ===History=== The origins of the VSA can be traced back to 1970 when a small group of classical musicians gathered in the parlor of Wilma and Charles Lowell's home in Eckert. The Lowell family, known for their musical talents, became the nucleus around which the orchestra formed. Wilma Lowell's daughter, D.Jo, recounts the early days of the ensemble, which initially called itself the Delta County Community Orchestra. Under the direction of Walter Birkedahl from Mesa State College, the group performed their inaugural concert on March 2, 1972, at Cedaredge Hunsicker Elementary School with programs that were hand-typed and mimeographed. The organization officially became the '''Valley Symphony Association''' on March 16, 1978, with the purpose of sponsoring the orchestra. At that time, it comprised nearly 50 musicians from various communities in the region, including Montrose, Delta, and Grand Junction. These musicians practiced weekly and performed four annual concerts. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the VSA expanded to include choral groups such as the Grand Mesa Singers and the Christmas in the Valley chorus, which mainly contributed to the orchestra's Christmas concerts. By 2002, these choral groups were integrated under the VSA umbrella, forming the VSA Chorus. Today, the VSA boasts over 100 regional volunteer musicians from the Uncompahgre, Grand, Gunnison, and North Fork Valleys. It is notable for being one of the few orchestras in Colorado not based in a college community. The VSA kicks off its season with the popular "Pops in the Park," a free outdoor concert, and continues with a series of performances at the Montrose Pavilion. ===Mission and Vision=== The VSA operates with a clear mission to connect with the Western Slope audience through live performances by its diverse group of volunteer musicians. Its vision is encapsulated in the phrase "Bringing Classical Music to Life," reflecting its dedication to ensuring the legacy of live orchestral and choral music that celebrates the human spirit. ===Community Impact=== The VSA emphasizes the importance of volunteer orchestral and choral groups, drawing parallels with the American community band tradition that dates back to before the Civil War. Despite the decline of community bands post-World War I due to shifts towards mass media and the rise of school music programs, there has been a resurgence in community music ensembles. The VSA provides an outlet for amateur musicians from various professions to continue their passion for music, fostering a vibrant arts community that enhances the region's quality of life. The VSA supports over 100 multigenerational volunteer musicians and reaches an audience of more than 5,000 Western Slope music lovers. Its performances span a range from classical orchestral to pop, instrumental to choral, and combinations thereof. ===Support and Acknowledgements=== The VSA is sustained by the support of its community and the dedication of its volunteer musicians. It extends gratitude to its patrons for their continued support, which allows the organization to thrive and contribute to the cultural landscape of Colorado’s Western Slope. ==External Links== * [Home](#) * [Concerts and Tickets](#) * [Contact Us](#) [[Category:Nonprofit organizations based in Colorado]] [[Category:American orchestras]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1970]] [[Category:Arts organizations established in 1978]] [[Category:Montrose, Colorado]]