| It’s an exciting time at Swallow Hill! But then, when isn’t it an exciting time for this incredible organization? As I thought about what I’d talk about in the very first edition of Bird’s Eye View, my mind swam with so many ideas. How could I possibly capture the essence of Swallow Hill in a short note? How can we summarize the year that just closed out while looking forward to the one ahead? I’ll just go with it. For starters, our Music School is packed for the first session of 2026, and wonderful music fills our halls and classrooms. Whether students are returning for another incredible class, or picking up their instruments for the first time, the energy in the building is palpable. Our dedicated teachers continue to build community, confidence, and belonging in a time when those things are hard to find. I recently saw our House of Rock instructor, Chadzilla Johnson, and he told me this is his 20th year of hosting House of Rock at Swallow Hill. 20 years! If you think about the IMPACT he has had on the many students (adults, teens, and children) who have participated in that program for 20 years, it’s overwhelming. It’s just one example of this organization’s stellar legacy, and the amazing people who do the good work. For decades, artists have graced our stages, and 2026 will be no different. We’re back producing concerts in spaces like Central Presbyterian for the first time since 2019. Four Mile continues to grow and expand, and the Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series promises to be another great season. We continue to focus on curating our in-house stages at Yale, with an eye to artists that are up-and-coming in the industry, as well as local, regional, and national touring acts. Our Outreach programs in schools and partner organizations continue to grow. We’re working in spaces where music programs have been cut, providing an introduction to music in a very special way. Our Early Childhood Education program, Little Swallows, is in more than 30 schools, and we’re focused on increasing funding to support growth in that program. Additionally, we provide incredible programming in many other schools and locations, whether those are large group assemblies, specialty programs, or sharing the Instrument Petting Zoo. Our music therapist at the VA hospital provides meaningful music therapy to the veterans who sacrificed so many things for this country. We’re honored and proud of all of this work. We’re continuing to develop strategic partnerships throughout the Denver Metro Area, focusing on expansion beyond Denver County. This includes Northglenn Arts, Left Hand Brewing in Longmont, Indiewood Street Festival with Englewood Downtown Development Authority, and many more. We’re proud to partner with Craig Hospital in 2026, providing tickets and access to patients and their families. As we continue to think about our work in the seven counties of Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), we’ve set our sights on how to reach audiences we haven’t reached before, and serve the residents of this amazing district. Our strength lies in our community – and that includes each of you. Your support has been immeasurable. We could not do what we do without our staff, instructors, volunteers, members, donors, students, concert-goers, board members, and the multitude of folks that support and promote our work. And for that, I am grateful. Let’s keep building community together, |
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| Jessy Clark |