Center for Future Audiences

The Center for Future Audiences includes Free for Kids Concerts, which offer up to two free tickets for kids ages 717 with each paid adult admission to select performances. It also includes Free for Teens, Side-By-Sides, Philharmonic Kids for Homeschools, Seatmates, and Nutcracker Student Dancers for ages 7 and up.

Programs

• Free for Kids Concerts — 7-17 · Get up to two free tickets for kids ages 7–17 with each paid adult admission to select performances.
• Free for Teens — high schoolers · All high schoolers can receive a free concert ticket with a valid high school ID.
• Side-By-Sides — Student musicians perform in a side-by-side rehearsal and concert with professional mentors.
• Philharmonic Kids for Homeschools — Concerts paired with educational materials for home study.
• Seatmates — Participants meet before the performance and then attend the show together.
• Nutcracker Student Dancers — 7+ · Student dancers ages 7+ can audition for annual Thanksgiving weekend performances of The Nutcracker.

At a glance

• Ages: 7–17 years old

About the provider

The Music Director is Chloe Dufresne. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic has played an integral role in the community for 100 years. Its mission is to cultivate the next generation of listeners, performers, and arts advocates through educational programming, community partnerships, and accessible musical experiences. Community-focused opportunities include Free-for-Kids tickets, High School Student Rush, Seatmates, pre-concert lectures, chats, Open Rehearsals, Nightcaps for visiting arts organizations, masterclasses, and individual lessons with Philharmonic musicians.

• Pre-Concert Chats — 60 minutes before the concert · Informal chat with guest artists and conductors.
• Open Rehearsals — Select open rehearsals at the Pikes Peak Center for local organizations and professional groups.
• Masterclass — Advanced-level musicians perform for a small group and receive a mini-lesson from a visiting guest artist.

Last updated November 7, 2026.