Applause@Home Volunteer Highlight

Over the years, before moving to Breckenridge, my family enjoyed the Breck Music Festival performances on our summer visits to Breckenridge. It’s had a lasting impression on me and I’m excited as a newcomer to this community to be part of the Applause Committee. Having a contributing part in delivering musical experiences in support of the mission of Breck Music is an honor and a challenge.

The Applause organization has offered me a great introduction to the community in a warm and welcoming way. It is a diverse group of women who are like-minded in their passion for music, dedication to Breck Music, love of Breckenridge and overwhelming gratitude for our good fortune. Their contribution to Breck Music is significant and working with the talented and knowledgeable Breck Music administrative staff has been rewarding. I recommend this experience for anyone; newcomer, established resident, or part time resident. Join the party!

When we moved to Breckenridge 13 years ago, I was looking for organizations that I could do volunteer work for. I attended several Applause and Breck Music events when we first moved here and started to make many wonderful friendships. I was impressed with the Applause mission to build community and fundraise for the Festival. When asked to join the Applause committee 11 years ago I said definitely, I will help wherever I can. I have been involved with many of Applause and Breck Music Events and have made wonderful lasting friendships with Applause members.

Music is one of my passions. It is such a universal language that needs no words and can bring forth so many emotions and help us relive our precious memories. Mankind can do without many things as we are finding, but I cannot imagine a world without music. I have played several instruments over the years and leaning to play well is an ongoing education and great therapy.

Ted and I are definitely enjoying the Applause@Home concerts and hope that our wonderful festival will be able to continue next year.

“I first became involved in Applause through Sue Nelson, who was my next-door neighbor. She introduced me to a wonderful group of music-loving ladies who in addition to socializing and fundraising around Breck Music were equally as fun to go skiing, hiking and drinking with.

Sue first roped me into the Membership role, then I became Chair/President and my involvement continues to this day. Breck Music is important to me, and Summit County, as people connect through all types of music. Although we are missing live music, the community of music lovers is still working to ensure that music is part of our daily lives.”

I have been involved with Applause for 12 years, starting out with making decorations for the annual Applause Gala’s. I also enjoying putting together flower arrangements for home champagne parties and decorating tables for the annual membership picnic.

I’ve always enjoyed getting to know Applause members and working with them on any of the events. I love working with a theme and figuring out what will look great. It’s a true gift.

I’ve been an active, enthusiastic member of Applause for more than 10 years and am currently Chair. It’s a real pleasure and an honor to work alongside so many talented, creative, generous, and committed people, including members of Applause and the Breck Music Advisory Council, the Breck Music staff, and our Artistic Director and musicians. It’s a chance for me to combine my interests in all types of music and social activities, and in serving in a leadership capacity.

My husband Russ and I have been involved with a number of fundraisers for Breck Music and Applause. The one nearest and dearest to our hearts is the champagne brass brunch concert, which has been sold out every year since 2009, when Russ, Breck Music trumpeter Tim McFadden, and others originated the idea. Since then attendees have enjoyed lively classical and popular music staged outdoors on the Trowbridge’s tent-covered deck and delicious food and drink prepared and served by generous volunteers including our neighbors.

We’ll miss hosting our summer concert this year but will look forward to tuning in to Applause@Home!

I first became involved with Applause for two reasons— my passion for music and my love of cooking! And, for the last 12 years, it’s been a perfect match. Simply put, it’s an absolute joy for me to be very involved in a social group that is so focused on raising both friends and funds for Breck Music. Its commitment to providing quality music to the entire Summit County community is extraordinary and that fact that I get to play a small role in making that happen is so rewarding. The bonus is that I’ve met so many fantastic people including the terrific women who serve and have served on the Applause committee over the years. What an honor it is to be working with this team of dedicated women. It continues to be a fun and interesting part of my life. Can’t imagine not being involved. I’m looking forward to the virtual music experiences we will enjoy this summer and can’t wait for us all to be together again soon at an event and a concert!