Meet Andrew Krimm | Executive Director, Boulder Symphony & Music Academy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Krimm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The Boulder Symphony has embarked upon a noteworthy venture with the inception of the Boulder Symphony Music Academy, heralding a multifaceted approach to both educational outreach and fiscal sustainability.

Primarily, the academy constitutes a significant expantion to the Symphony’s educational and community outreach program. This development resonates with the Symphony’s intrinsic mission to not only perfomr music but to cultivate it at the grassroots level. The Academy offers both private and group music classes, making high-caliber musical education accessible to an extensive demographic within the Boulder community. Notably, 25% of the Academy’s enrollees are beneficiaries of full scholarships, an initiative specifically designed to address and encourage participation from under-resourced families. This affirms the Boulder Symphony’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the realm of classical music.

Moreover, the Academy embodies a strategic addition to the revenue model of the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy, which is emblematic of a forward-thinking approach to sustainable financing in the arts sector. Traditionally, American orchestras have been reliant on a thre pronged revenue model comprising donations/sponsorships, grants, and ticket sales. This model, though historically effective, has increasingly displayed vulnerability in the face of evolving economic landscapes and consumer behaviors. The Music Academy, therefore, represents an innovative diversification of revenue streams. As the Academy flourishes, it is anticipated to contribute not only to the financial robustness of the Boulder Symphony but also to enable an increase performance fees for our musicians, the expansion of concert schedules, and an enrichment of the artistic program – permitting ventures into riskier programming which may previously have been financially untenable.

In essence, the Boulder Symphony Music Academy is not only an investment in the future virtuosos but also an astute economic adaptation that ensures the Boulder Symphony remains a dynamic and resilient contributor to the cultural fabric of the community.

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 journey in the world of music has been both inspiring and close to my heart. As a dedicated violist, I took my first steps in music education at the tender age of 7. The violin called out to me, and through the Suzuki Method, I embarked on what was to become a fulfilling career. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had support and scholarships for my private lessons, which allowed me to cultivate my passion. I further honed my craft at the University of Colorado and Southern Methodist University. This period in my life was marked by the founding of the Altius Quartet, an ensemble through which I had the privilege of traveling the globe, serenading audiences with our performances. Our music resonated with many, and one of the crowning moments was playing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. We also made our mark through commercially released albums.

In June 2020, when the world was in the throes of the pandemic, my musical journey took an exciting turn as I became the Executive Director of the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy. What has driven me in this role is my deep-rooted passion for equitable music education. It has been essential for me to ensure that the mesmerizing strains of music reach those who might not otherwise have access to it, particularly low-income students. I take great pride in the fact that 25% of the students at the Music Academy are on fully-funded need-based scholarships.

One moment that will forever be etched in my memory is when I was the soloist at a Boulder Symphony Concert. I was joined by my dear friend and esteemed colleague, Yumi Hwang Williams, the Concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony. Together, we performed Benjamin Britten’s Double Concerto, our violins echoing through a hall filled with a sold-out crowd.

What sets me apart is not just my musicianship but my unwavering dedication to democratizing music education. My story is one of commitment to my art and a steadfast belief in giving back to the community. Through the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy, I have united my love for performance with my passion for education. I am committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and ensuring that the gift of music is within everyone’s reach. In a world that can sometimes be divided by disparities, my work is a harmonious note of hope and inclusivity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

**Day 1: Arrival Day**
– Lunch: The Kitchen Boulder, for farm-to-table American eats.
– Evening: Take a relaxing walk around Boulder Creek Path.
– Dinner: Oak at Fourteenth, known for wood-fired seasonal cuisine.

**Day 2: Exploration Day**
– Breakfast: Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, famous for its breakfast.
– Morning: Visit the Boulder Farmers Market (if it’s a Wednesday or Saturday).
– Lunch: Grab something fresh from the Farmers Market.
– Afternoon: Explore the shops and art galleries on Pearl Street.
– Dinner: Frasca Food and Wine, for a high-end Italian experience.

**Day 3: Outdoor Day**
– Breakfast: Alpine Modern Café, for a cozy and modern breakfast experience.
– Morning: Hike the Flatirons via the Chautauqua Park trailhead.
– Lunch: Chautauqua Dining Hall, for a historic and scenic meal.
– Afternoon: Visit the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.
– Dinner: Avery Brewing Company for craft beer and American food.

**Day 4: Education Day**
– Breakfast: Village Coffee Shop, for classic diner breakfast.
– Morning: Tour the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
– Lunch: The Sink, a historic Boulder restaurant.
– Afternoon: Visit the Fiske Planetarium for a show.
– Dinner: Curry N Kebob, for Indian cuisine.

**Day 5: Day in the Mountains**
– Early Morning: Take a drive up to Nederland, CO.
– Breakfast: New Moon Bakery & Café in Nederland.
– Morning: Explore Indian Peaks Wilderness.
– Lunch: Backcountry Pizza & Tap House in Nederland.
– Afternoon: Drive back to Boulder and relax.
– Dinner: Pizzeria Locale for Neapolitan pizza.

**Day 6: Culture Day**
– Breakfast: Lucile’s Creole Café.
– Morning: Visit the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.
– Lunch: The Mediterranean for tapas and Mediterranean cuisine.
– Afternoon: Take a guided historic walking tour of Boulder.
– Evening: Attend a Boulder Symphony concert.
– Dinner: Black Cat for farm-to-table dishes.

**Day 7: Departure Day**
– Breakfast: Tangerine for a fresh, seasonal breakfast.
– Morning: Last-minute shopping on Pearl Street.
– Lunch: Fresh Thymes Eatery for a healthy send-off.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Tony Santelli has been an invaluable mentor and influential figure in my journey as an entrepreneur and arts executive. Without his guidance and expertise, the establishment and success of the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy would not have been possible. Tony’s exceptional business acumen and strategic insights have shaped every aspect of our organization, from its inception to its growth and sustainability. His mentorship has empowered me to navigate the complexities of the business world, inspiring me to take bold steps and pursue excellence in entrepreneurship. The impact of Tony Santelli as my mentor cannot be overstated, as his vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the thriving business that the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy has become.

Website: www.bouldersymphony.org

Instagram: @bouldersymphony

Twitter: @bouldersymphony

Facebook: @bouldersymphony

Youtube: @bouldersymphony

Image Credits
Chris Tombrella