Some people know what they want to do from a young age, while others, through trial and error, uncover their passions and the ways they want to make an impact on those around them. David Siegel, Fellowship Class of 2012, experienced both dynamics on his journey to where he is today.
From a young age, David had a passion for music. By the time he was 13, he knew he wanted to be a musician. After graduating high school, he attended the Manhattan School of Music in New York City to receive his degree in violin performance. Towards the end of his time in college, David realized he didn’t want to join a professional orchestra, which is the path that traditional music schools set their students up for. Instead, he took an interest in pursuing arts administration, at least for a time after graduation, as it would provide a more tangible way for him to use his love of music to benefit others.
“I love music, and I want to impact people through music. At that point it was so clear to me the way the arts had changed my life. I didn’t feel like the traditional path of going into an orchestra was going to enable me to use art to change other people’s lives which is really what I wanted.”
He contacted his mentor, Susan Edmonson, who at the time served as Executive Director of the Bee Vradenburg Foundation. With her guidance, the pair built a summer internship program which funded David’s work with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPR). Since then, the Bee Vradenburg Foundation Internship Program has continued supporting college students interested in a career in the arts; the creation of this program would be the beginning of David’s impact on the Colorado Springs arts community.
David was first introduced to El Pomar Foundation while interning at the Bee Vradenburg Foundation, and after graduating college, he applied and was accepted to El Pomar’s Fellowship program. He absorbed lessons about nonprofit governance, investing, and professionalism while keeping his love of performance alive. His violin lived under his desk, waiting for 5 p.m. to roll around so he could go play a gig.
“One of the great pieces of the Fellowship is that you’re not asked to check your passions at the door and put them away for two years.”
Juggling both his professional and artistic passions taught him invaluable skills and allowed him to build a network throughout the Colorado Springs community. With the support and encouragement of those around him, he applied to be Executive Director of the Bee Vradenburg Foundation at the age of 23. David was offered the position and departed the Fellowship early to pursue the opportunity.
“The brilliant thing about the Fellowship is that it’s designed as a launchpad. It was clear that Foundation leadership was genuinely happy for me. I was going to be able to carry on some of the lessons about philanthropic values at El Pomar at the Bee Vradenburg Foundation. This genuine desire to help employees find the next great job is remarkable, and something I don’t take for granted.”
David went on to serve the Bee Vradenburg Foundation and their community for nearly nine years before transitioning in 2022 to his current role as Executive Director for the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS. David was excited for a new challenge to grow his experience as a leader of a nonprofit while working to bring a world-class arts facility back to life post-pandemic. When asked how he stays inspired in his professional and artistic endeavors, David noted the art of listening.
“Too often we think about leadership as projecting ideas onto the people we’re leading or we think of leadership as this loud, boastful, aggressive practice, but I think leadership is all about listening and then synthesizing what you hear. I listen to colleagues at other arts venues, I listen to musicians I admire, and all of that inspires me to be a better musician, to be a better leader, and to serve people more effectively.”
David’s newest opportunity to serve comes from in his role as El Pomar’s Fellowship Alumni Trustee. He recalls receiving a call from Vice Chair, Nechie Hall, and gladly accepting the opportunity. Reflecting on the moment, David feels excited to learn how to support the state of Colorado and recognizes that being a steward of the Penroses’ legacy is an honor.
Although David hasn’t directly pursued his childhood dream of being a full-time professional musician, he still performs regularly with several bands, and his involvement in arts administration continues to shape the local creative community. His journey thus far has followed a harmonious cadence, blending performance and professionalism – something sure to influence his time on El Pomar’s Board of Trustees.
“I love making music, but what brings me the most joy is putting music out into the world and seeing how that music impacts other people. It’s the two-way conversation between an audience and a musician on stage that I find extraordinary.”
