A Wonderful Inaugural Year: The 2025 Gunnison Vocal & Orchestral Academy
- Jake Arenberg
- Sep 3
- 6 min read
The mountains of Gunnison, Colorado, have never sounded quite so magical. As we wrap up the inaugural 2025 Gunnison Vocal & Orchestral Academy (June 6-10), we're overwhelmed with gratitude for an experience that exceeded every expectation and set the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary annual tradition.
A Festival of Firsts
The Academy opened with a dazzling concert featuring members of the Colorado Symphony, alongside Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung. Her artistry, combined with the energy of faculty and students alike, set a powerful tone for the days ahead.
Throughout the week, rehearsals, masterclasses, and coaching filled the campus of Western Colorado University. Students not only sharpened their technical skills but also discovered new depths of artistry and confidence. As 13-year-old participant Julien Klingsmith reflected:
“I learned both that there are others who are way better than me, but also that I can do hard things and learn.” – Julien Klingsmith
Lessons That Last
The heart of GOVA was the mentoring students received from our outstanding faculty.
“Looking so deeply at the Vivaldi and seeing how all the parts fit, with Sean’s patience and Yumi’s kindness, was so impactful.” – Julien Klingsmith
“My individual coaching with Keith, doing detailed work with a metronome and keeping myself accountable, was invaluable.” – Carly Cummings
These lessons didn’t end with the closing concert. As Savannah Morgan wrote to Artistic Director Keith Miller shortly after returning home:
“Since I’ve started school I’ve auditioned for our mainstage play, Our Town, and I got the lead!! I also just found out that I’ll be singing the national anthem at a few varsity sporting events!! I just wanted to say thank you for teaching me so much about performing and self confidence." – Savannah Morgan
Faculty Excellence and Mentorship
Under the visionary leadership of Keith Miller and the academic partnership with Western Colorado University, our faculty brought together decades of professional experience with a genuine passion for nurturing emerging talent.
The intimate setting allowed for personalized attention that would be impossible in larger programs. With small class sizes and abundant one-on-one time, every student received the individual guidance necessary for meaningful artistic growth.
Faculty Spotlight: Yumi Hwang-Williams
Violinist Yumi Hwang-Williams is Concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony and a dynamic presence on both the concert stage and in the classroom. Known for her expressive artistry and technical brilliance, she has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras across the United States and Europe. At GOVA, Yumi’s generosity and expertise made an immediate impact—calming nerves, offering patient guidance, and inspiring young musicians to rise to their potential.
Faculty Spotlight: Michelle DeYoung
Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung is one of the most renowned singers of her generation, appearing with the world’s leading orchestras and opera houses. Known for her interpretations of Wagner, Mahler, and Strauss, her powerful voice and artistry have inspired audiences across the globe. At GOVA 2025, Ms. DeYoung brought her vast experience and passion for education to her students, offering insights that blended technical precision with heartfelt artistry.
Faculty Spotlight: Keith Miller
Founder and Artistic Director of the Gunnison Orchestral & Vocal Academy, Keith Miller is an internationally recognized bass-baritone and a former professional football player. His unique journey from the NFL to the Metropolitan Opera has shaped a career marked by resilience, artistry, and mentorship. At GOVA, Keith leads with vision and dedication, guiding students toward excellence while fostering an atmosphere of generosity and inspiration.
An Interview with Artistic Director Keith Miller
Q: How do you feel about the Academy's inaugural year?
It was an extraordinary beginning. Honestly, the Academy exceeded even my highest hopes. One of the standout moments for me was witnessing the third-day rehearsal of the Vivaldi—students and faculty diving so deeply into the music, breaking it down, and building it back up with patience and creativity. That’s the kind of growth that lasts a lifetime.
The partnership with Western Colorado University was absolutely essential. Their facilities and support allowed us to create a space where both faculty and students could do their very best work. It’s clear that Gunnison can become a true hub for world-class music education, and this first year proved that vision is possible.
Q: What made this program unique compared to other summer intensives?
I think the intimacy of GOVA sets it apart. We intentionally keep the size manageable so that every student gets meaningful, one-on-one time with world-class faculty. That balance between individual attention and ensemble collaboration is rare.
And of course, you can’t underestimate the impact of the Colorado mountains. There’s something about rehearsing with snowy peaks in the distance and walking out of a coaching session into that fresh mountain air—it inspires both reflection and ambition. We created a program that isn’t just about technique; it’s about artistry, community, and resilience. That holistic approach is what makes GOVA unique.
Q: What can we expect for next year?
We’re already building on the momentum of this year. For GOVA 2026, we’re planning to expand both the orchestral and vocal tracks, adding more opportunities for chamber music and collaborative performance. We’re also working on facility improvements with Western Colorado University to give students even better spaces for rehearsal and performance.
We’ll be welcoming new guest artists —some very exciting names we’ll announce soon—and we’ll continue to bring back the faculty who laid the foundation this year. Our goal is to make the Academy not just an annual event, but a cornerstone of summer music education in the U.S. This first year showed us what’s possible. Next year, we’ll take it even further.
A Community of Support
Beyond the music-making, GOVA became a place of friendship, collaboration, and encouragement. Students found not only mentors but also peers who inspired them.
“The atmosphere was—seriously—super friendly, accepting, comforting, inspiring, exciting, and fun. That’s what makes me want to fulfill my dreams.” – Julien Klingsmith
“Everyone working on this program is generous of time and knowledge. They want you to succeed and will take steps to support you even after you have left the beauty of the mountains.” – Carly Cummings
The generosity of spirit extended beyond the rehearsal room. Shared meals, laughter, and the natural beauty of Gunnison became just as memorable as the music itself. Carly recalled:
“The view from the deck—the snowy mountain peak, aspens, clear blue sky, crisp air and sunshine—was something I will always remember.”
The Colorado Difference
There's something special about making music surrounded by the majesty of the Colorado Rockies. The natural beauty of Gunnison and Crested Butte provided daily inspiration, while the facilities at Western Colorado University offered everything needed for serious artistic work.
Students and faculty frequently commented on how the environment itself became part of the educational experience—the clarity of mountain air somehow translating to clarity of musical expression.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural year of GOVA has set a high bar. Students left inspired, motivated, and eager for the next steps in their musical journeys.
“This festival helped me see my goals in a new light. I achieved my short-term goals here and now I can keep reaching for the long-term ones.” – Julien Klingsmith
“The standard I hold my work to has risen, and I think that will serve me well as I keep working.” – Carly Cummings
We extend heartfelt thanks to our faculty, staff, students, Western Colorado University, and the Gunnison community for making this first year such a success.
Plans are already underway for GOVA 2026 (July 29 – August 9, 2026). We look forward to welcoming the next class of artists to Gunnison for another unforgettable experience. Savannah summed it up beautifully:
“The things I learned at GOVA will benefit me for the rest of my life!” - Savannah Morgan
Join Our Community
The Gunnison Vocal & Orchestral Academy is more than a summer program—it's a growing community of artists, educators, and supporters committed to the transformative power of musical education.
Stay Connected:
Keep an eye on the Imagine212 website for 2026 application information!
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and early access to registration
Apply for 2026: Applications for next year's Academy will open in October of 2025. Given this year's success and overwhelming response, we encourage early applications.
The Gunnison Vocal & Orchestral Academy is a program of Imagine 212, the public arts and education initiative of 212 Fahrenheit, dedicated to developing fine arts, cultural, dance, and film programs while creating sustainable funding models for nonprofits and community partners across the country.
For media inquiries, high-resolution photos, or additional information, contact:
212 Fahrenheit – Imagine 212
66 Red Mountain Ranch Road
Crested Butte, Colorado 81224