Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra

A nonprofit organization

$200 raised

1% complete

$25,000 Goal

Pillars of the GPO's Mission

Artistic Quality

Here at the Greely Philharmonic Orchestra, our goal is to provide the highest-quality orchestral music to Northern Colorado. The GPO has dedicated its future to continuing the vast legacy of its founders and will strive to fulfill its mission to our loyal community. The GPO has endured for 114 years as the major force in the community's cultural and artistic development. The GPO's continuous and superior orchestral work has drawn praise throughout the region, nation, and abroad.

Each concert is intentionally programmed to highlight the stellar musicians of the ensemble with accessible music that our community enjoys.

Testimonials


"How does a musical organization continually improve excellence? Our extraordinary GPO seems to know! We love watching Maestro Lowell Graham engage the orchestra and the audience, and we marvel at the professional musicians' talent, brilliance, and dedication. Each compelling performance feeds our souls in remarkable ways. The GPO is a dazzling star in the constellation of Greeley's cultural paradise." - Ken Norem & Sandy Magnuson

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"FANTASTIC MUSIC PREFORMANCE! It's hard to choose one highlight... The conductor and the narrator work very well together. As a veteran, I thought the whole evening had the right balance of honor and sacrifice without being sad." Anonymous quote from Salute to Service concert on November 7, 2025.

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"The entire concert was the ultimate experience... I loved the focus on the celebration of death & life! The [guest conductor] Diego was perfect for this concert; so devoted to the spirit of this holiday. I liked Spanish first, English second throughout his speaking to the audience. I loved his respect for soloists and improv as he stepped aside to give them all of the attention. I truly look forward to embracing this celebration every year with the GPO!" - Anonymous quote from Canciones para ti (Songs for You) concert on November 1, 2025.

Community Outreach

The Adopt-A-Musician program connects passionate music enthusiasts with members of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. Supporters in this program gain a unique opportunity to connect with musicians on a personal level. 

"I chose to adopt Lauren [Varley, horn musician] because I worked with her on a committee several years ago. She helped me to understand the workings of the orchestra and what is involved with being a conductor." - Myra Silver

The Music Meets Medicine program was established to coordinate programming, foster and expand community partnerships, explore therapeutic applications of music, and evaluate its effectiveness as a tool for healing and wellness. The GPO partners with organizations to provide free concert tickets to their patrons. 

Education

The GPO believes every child should have access to quality music education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Education Week is the GPO's commitment to supporting local music educators' curricula through events and concert tickets. ZoOrchestra isan event for 4th Grade students in Greeley-Evans School District 6. Students explore careers in music through games and activities hosted by musicians and administrators of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra.

The GPO recognizes that future industry leaders need opportunities to gain experience in professional settings. In tune with this believe, the GPO provides paid music business internships for high school and collegiate students to develop skills in non-profit leadership, development, management, event production, and marketing. 

GPO Composer-in-Residence Dylan Fixmer conducts free composition classes for Greeley-Evans School District 6 music classrooms. The Magic Baton Melody Contest is a composition contest for students in grades 2-12. Students participate in workshops to express their musical ideas effectively through composition. Mr. Fixmer selects one winning composition, which is then orchestrated for and performed by the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra in front of a live audience.

Youth orchestras provide young musicians with a platform to cultivate their musical talents and foster a love for orchestral music. Through regular rehearsals and performances, youth orchestras contribute to the cultural enrichment of communities. The Greeley Junior Philharmonic was first formed in 1947. Now, the Greeley Philharmonic Youth Orchestra provides an elevated performance opportunity, alongside mentorship from professional musicians, for local middle and high school musicians. 

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"I truly cherished the event of the orchestra last evening. I loved the way you really taught us a lot about music. Like music is a kind of voice that speaks for the composer. It is because of this orchestra that I realize I can speak two languages. English and the language of music." Yours truly, Tiara (5th Grade)



Giving Activity

Mission

The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra seeks to inspire and enrich our community through live orchestral music. The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Association, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Background Statement

The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra grew out of concerts sponsored by the Fortnightly Music Club between 1908 and 1911. Enthusiasm grew, and in 1911, the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO) was established. According to an early program, its "motive" was to provide pleasure and profit for local musicians, to give young people an opportunity for orchestral training, and "to aid in raising the musical standards in our city." In time, it evolved into the cornerstone of Greeley's cultural structure. Although the founders of the GPO first set out to create a small yet viable community orchestra, the GPO has developed into a 65-piece professional orchestra that draws some of the most accomplished musicians from Northern Colorado and beyond.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra

other names

Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, GPO

Year Established

1984

Tax id (EIN)

84-6031376

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Medium Organization

Colorado State Tax Credits

Colorado Enterprise Zone Credit

Address

801 8th St., Suite 230
Greeley, CO 80631

Mailing

PO Box 1535
Greeley, CO 80632

Service areas

Weld County, CO, US

Greeley, CO, US

Phone

9703566406

Other

970-356-6406

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