Meet Daniel F. Smith | Founder & Artistic Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel F. Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel F., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting NoCoYO in 2020 was a response to both a moment of crisis and a long-term vision. At the time, the pandemic had disrupted nearly every part of my students’ lives, especially in the arts. I saw how much young musicians were craving connection, purpose, and creativity and I didn’t want them to lose momentum or inspiration. So we began fully-masked, safely spaced, making music in a way that adapted to the moment, but didn’t lower our expectations.

Beyond the circumstances of the pandemic, I’d long felt that Northern Colorado needed a regional youth orchestra that connected students across schools and backgrounds—something that built community rather than competition. I wanted to create an organization that offered not just high-level performance opportunities, but also mentorship, leadership development, and chamber music. NoCoYO became a space where students could grow not only as musicians, but as collaborators and leaders.

Ultimately, this was about building something meaningful and lasting. I didn’t just want to fill a gap. I wanted to reimagine what youth orchestra could look like in our region. From the start, we’ve focused on innovation, equity, and excellence. NoCoYO was my way of ensuring that even in uncertain times, young people would still have access to transformative, high-quality music education.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is about building community through music. Whether I’m conducting an orchestra of middle school beginners or leading the youth orchestra at Carnegie Hall, my work centers on creating transformative experiences that connect people—students, families, and audiences alike. What sets my approach apart is the long-term investment I make in my students. I’ve taught many of them from the time they first picked up an instrument through graduation and sometimes even beyond. That continuity builds trust, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging in our programs.

I’m most proud of founding The Northern Colorado Youth Orchestra during the height of the pandemic. While the world was shutting down, we started rehearsing simply because students needed something joyful and meaningful to hold onto. That spirit of resilience and creativity has guided us ever since. In just a few short years, we’ve gone from our audience sitting in folding chairs in the grass to performing at ASTA Nationals and Carnegie Hall, with a performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall coming up in 2026. I’m proud not only of the performances, but of the character, connection, and confidence our students develop along the way.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve had to build a lot of this from scratch, learning how to create a brand, establishing new programs, recruiting one student at a time. There have been times when I questioned if it would work, but I learned that consistency and vision can carry you through the unknown. I also served in the Army for 16 years and that experience taught me a lot about leadership, perseverance, and staying calm under pressure—lessons that translate directly into the classroom and rehearsal space.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my work, it’s that this isn’t just about music. It’s about empowering young people to believe in themselves, to find their place in a larger story, and to know that their voice matters. My hope is that through the orchestras I lead, students carry those lessons into every part of their lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Northern Colorado for a week, we’d split our time between Fort Collins and some of the hidden gems nearby. Fort Collins has this perfect mix of creativity, nature, and community that makes it feel like home the moment you arrive.

We’d kick things off with coffee at Lima Coffee or Little Bird—both have great vibes and really good coffee. Then we’d wander through Old Town, check out the local shops, probably catch some live music or a pop-up art event. Lunch might be at The Welsh Rabbit for charcuterie and conversation, or Lucile’s if we’re leaning toward comfort food and strong coffee refills.

We’d definitely take a day to hike at Lory State Park and cool off by the reservoir afterward. In the evenings, we’d catch a performance at The Lincoln Center or head to Odell or New Belgium for a craft beer, food truck dinner, and whatever live music is going on.

If it’s summer, we’re hitting up the Food Truck Rally on Tuesdays and hopefully catching a show at the Holiday Twin Drive-In. We’d take a drive up to Estes Park or cruise through the Poudre Canyon in my Corvette just to soak in the scenery, then come back for tacos at Vatos or a massive slice at Pizza Casbah.

To wrap up the week, we’d swing by the farmer’s market, grab some local produce and pastries, and finish off with dinner at Philippe French Bistro—easily one of the best places to relax and reflect on a good trip.

Northern Colorado isn’t just beautiful. It’s full of genuinely creative, hardworking people who care deeply about their community. That’s what makes it so special—and why I’m proud to be rooted here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people and communities that have helped shape my journey. If I had to shine a light on one group in particular, it would be my students, past and present. They are the reason I do what I do. Their curiosity, resilience, and heart constantly challenge me to grow not just as a teacher, but as a person. Watching them discover their voice through music, navigate life’s challenges, and come together to create something bigger than themselves has been the most profound source of inspiration.

I also want to shout out my family, especially my wife and daughter, for their unwavering support. Balancing family life with the demands of running multiple orchestras isn’t easy, and their love and patience ground me in everything I do.

Professionally, I’m deeply grateful to the mentors and colleagues who believed in me, especially those who encouraged me to build The Northern Colorado Youth Orchestra from the ground up. And finally, the Colorado music education community deserves recognition for being incredibly collaborative, generous, and committed to keeping the arts alive for future generations.

Website: https://www.nocoyo.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocoyouthorch

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arcopizzicato

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nocoyo