“Celebrate Youth in the Arts” was the invitation for supporters and parents and music filled the air in hotel hallways and ballrooms at an annual February breakfast.

It was a morning for students with Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, Colorado Springs Youth Symphony and Colorado Springs Conservatory.

“The arts are critical,” supporter Sally Hybl said, Enjoying the music and performance. She reminded everyone that because things had changed dramatically during the COVID years, this is a different world and the arts matter after the disconnect.

Participating in the arts, Hybl said, “it’s about belonging. You are accepted. You are vital.”

The chorale, symphony and conservatory matter. “It creates community. Music matters and today supports that dream.”

The three groups that morning have 800 students, Hybl noted.

Not only that, the groups have years of local history.

The Colorado Springs Chorale (kidssing.org) is in its 50th anniversary year. The singers have performed in Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall in New York City, Sydney Opera House, Austria’s Mozarteum and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. CSCC Outreach involves the students in programs throughout the area with workshops and performances in schools and with and for community organizations and vocal groups. A satellite choir is the Fountain Creek Neighborhood Honor Choir. The Chorale says, “Creating confident, compassionate minded young people is more important in this world than even before. Through musical excellence we build the future.”

Upcoming for the chorale: April 22, “In Harmony,” Pikes Peak Center; May 3, “The State of Colorado: Celebrating 150 Years,” Ute Pass Cultural Center, Woodland Park; May 4, The State of Colorado: Celebrating 150 Years, First Lutheran Church.

The Colorado Springs Youth Symphony (“Through Music We Are One”) was founded in 1980 and has 500 musicians. There are two symphony orchestras, two wind ensembles, four string orchestras, two jazz bands, five beginning strings locations, chamber ensembles and a baroque chamber orchestra. The symphony has performed in Carnegie Hall, China, Austria, Sydney Opera House, Greece, New Zealand, Germany, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Japan. (csysa.com)

The third Youth Symphony Winter Concert is Sunda at, Ent Center for the Arts.

Colorado Springs Conservatory (“Making Dreams Reality”) began its multi-disciplinary arts education in 1994 with studies and performances in theaere, voice, piano, composition, music production and strings. coloradospringsconservatory.org

Upcoming at the Conservatory: April 24-26, “Metamorphoses,” 420 N. Nevada Ave.; May 1, Student Showcase, 420 N. Nevada Ave.

Students performing at the breakfast had created thank you cards for those attending Celebrate Youth in the Arts, with this from Julie Andrews: “The arts make a bridge across this world in ways that nothing else can.”

“Celebrate Youth in the Arts” breakfast: Mark and Lauren Arnest (Photo Linda Navarro, The Gazette)

“Celebrate Youth in the Arts” breakfast: Herman Tiemens, right, and Brian Nordman (Photo Linda Navarro, The Gazette)

“Celebrate Youth in the Arts” breakfast: Mary Vassallo and Amberly Brown (Photo Linda Navarro, The Gazette)