June’s musician of the month is Cindy “Boomer” Haraway, FCWS founder and long-time clarinetist with the FCWS (over 30 years!). In addition to founding our ensemble, Cindy has been an integral member of the Fort Collins classical music scene in numerous ways. She graduated from Colorado State University with a music education degree, played 2nd clarinet in the Fort Collins Symphony as well as served on their board of directors for many years, and even started our local music supply store, “Boomer Music Company”. Cindy remains an active member of the FCWS board of directors.
What does music-making mean to you personally, and what drove you to establish the FCWS?
Making music is magic, it brings so much to my soul. Like so many wonderful endeavors, the FCWS was born from friendship and vision. Jana Thomas, Clint Baker, Bill Runyan, and I co-created a high caliber performing ensemble to meet the needs of musicians in the area.
How have you spent your time outside of FCWS — professionally and/or musically — and how does it connect to your life as a musician?
As the founder of Boomer Music, my entrepreneurship was a full time job. Focused on bringing resources, equipment, and connections to musicians in the Front Range, Boomer Music helped build and maintain connections in the creative community.
What's a piece of advice you'd give to a younger musician just starting out?
Music opens up the world; making music with friends brings immeasurable joy. Private lessons, practice, and pursuit of musical experiences will be a gateway to thrilling opportunities.
What do you think FCWS gives to its musicians, and what do you think it gives to the Fort Collins community?
FCWS gives musicians the opportunity to play with other high caliber performers. The FCWS, in turn, provides polished performances of Concert Band repertoire. Both of these elements in the FCWS offer a community - both to its players, and to the audience.
Is there a moment in your musical life — a performance, a teacher, a piece — that really shaped who you are as a musician?
In secondary public school, the opportunity to perform with All City and later All State Bands opened my eyes to the camaraderie of musicians, and the joy that blooms from experiencing the potential of what Bands could sound like.
What is a favorite memory of yours from your time so far with the FCWS?
The thunderous reaction and excitement from the audience after the FCWS had performed "Stars and Stripes Forever” as an encore was deeply rewarding, a capstone to a successful performance.