Meet Rose Ann Taht

For Rose Ann music is all about family. She first took up the violin when her son started playing Suzuki violin. She wanted to learn and play alongside her son and they were inspired by watching other musical families play together. 

During her 47 years of playing Rose Ann has performed with Metropolitan State College, while pursuing a music degree, the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and a variety of other small ensembles. 

One of Rose Ann’s fondest memories playing was with Metropolitan State College where they performed with Wynton Marsalis at Boettcher Concert Hall. It was a highlight of her collegiate career.

When asked what she enjoys about the Denver Pops Rose Ann shared, “The Denver Pops are an extremely rewarding group to play with. I started with Zina Richardson many years ago and now thoroughly enjoy playing with Ron Argotsinger as our Maestro!”

Rose Ann – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

This season the Denver Pops want to celebrate 40 years with you! Enter to win a VIP Experience at the final concert of the Denver Pops 40th Anniversary. VIP Experience includes two concert tickets (4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian on April 18) and a 4-course tasting menu for two at Sarto’s Social Italian Eatery’s Cicchetti Counter.  

Meet Mary Beth Godec

Mary Beth has been playing the violin for 24 years and fell in love with the instrument after seeing a performance of the Colorado Springs Symphony when she was in grade school.

During her first concert with the Young Concert Artists of Colorado Springs, Mary Beth remembers her Dad being blown away by the talent and advanced music the group played. Mary Beth shares, “He expected the group to play something along the lines of ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ but we performed one of Vivaldi’s concertos as part of that concert.”

When asked who inspires her as a musician Mary Beth shared the Beatles. “They are some of the most untrained and talented musicians that have made a lasting impact with their music that will continue for generations.”

Over the years Mary Beth has performed with the Young Concert Artists of Colorado Springs, Pike’s Peak Philharmonic and the Denver Pops. When asked what she enjoys most about playing Mary Beth shared, “The Denver Pops allows me variability with my work schedule for Lockheed Martin, and it also allows me to pursue training with the second love of my life, Martial Arts.”

Mary Beth – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

Meet Carrie Beeder

Carrie, the Denver Pops Concertmaster, illustrious violin career started 43 years ago and has been filled with performances across the country including a tour where she played with a group that opened for Denver’s own, The Fray. 

A demonstration in elementary school sparked her love for the instrument. Carrie describes her first day of class when they learned how to hold the violin and pluck the open strings using two different rhythm patterns. “I felt like I had been let in on a great mystery and it was only going to get better and better.” 

Over the years Carrie has found inspiration from her teachers including Norman Greenhouse, who she studied with for nine years during her teens and early twenties, as well as Margaret Shakespeare and Bill Morse who were her primary music mentors in college. “They would talk about playing the instrument in a very technical way, but I was always blown away by their ability to communicate emotional ideas about the music that seemed to magically change the way I played.”

Since she was 18 years old Carrie has played in orchestras around the Denver metro area including Littleton, Lakewood, Longmont, Lone Tree and Cheyenne Symphonies to name a few. She also played in original rock bands that would perform in clubs around Denver including a tour that went around the country with Nathaniel Rateliff. In 2008, she received a Best of Denver Westword award for “Best Moonlighter” for her appearances with a large number of bands. 

When ask why she enjoys playing with the Denver Pops Carrie shares, “I joined the Denver Pops because it allows me to play a wide variety of fun music that is not offered anywhere else. We get opportunities to play for some really amazing touring productions like the Roy Orbison Hologram and just recently Cirque Musica in Colorado Springs.”

Carrie – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

This season the Denver Pops want to celebrate 40 years with you! Enter to win a VIP Experience at one of the Denver Pops concerts for our 40th Anniversary. VIP Experience includes two concert tickets (4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian on February 29 or April 18) and a 4-course tasting menu for two at Sarto’s Social Italian Eatery’s Cicchetti Counter.  

Meet Gretchen Rydin

Gretchen started playing the violin when she was seven as part of a group lesson. She might have started with a motivation to get out of school for the lesson, but her passion for the music carried her through the last 20 years. She fell in love with the rich sound of the viola in high school and made the switch. 

 Over the years, Gretchen played in a variety of musical groups, including the Tango Community Orchestra in Washington, D.C. and a quartet, and now the Denver Pops. She finds inspiration from Yo-Yo Ma, The Piano Guys, Johnny Frigo, and Duke Ellington. 

Some of Gretchen’s favorite violin and viola memories come from her time performing solos every Sunday for a nursing home. She played songs from the 40’s and 50’s, which the residents loved. 

When asked why she is a member of the Denver Pops, Gretchen said: “I love creating something—music, harmony, peace—that I cannot do on my own. I feel connected and I love pops music—from Broadway to the movies to plain old jazz.”  

Gretchen, thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

This season the Denver Pops want to want to celebrate 40 years with you! Enter to win a VIP Experience at one of the Denver Pops concerts for our 40th Anniversary. VIP Experience includes two concert tickets (4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian on February 29 or April 18) and a 4-course tasting menu for two at Sarto’s Social Italian Eatery’s Cicchetti Counter.  

Meet Paige Murphy-Floyd

Paige’s first instrument was a violin but she found her love of the viola 10 years ago while playing in a quartet with her good friend Sandy. Sandy and Paige picked up the viola together and began to mentor and push each other to work thru clef and size changes from violin to viola. Paige cherishes her memories with Sandy, who is no longer with us. Paige shares, “She is a huge reason that I play the viola today. It is always blissful when I play or hear Celtic music that her and I played a lot together.”

Inspiration comes from many places in Paige’s musical life. Her grandmother and great grandmother played the piano. She also looked up to her mom’s friend Bobbie who played viola for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and who always encouraged Paige.  

Paige attributes her love of music to her days growing up in the Denver Public School system. When she was 9 years old she played the violin in her school orchestra and did a lot of solo work as a result of being the lone violinist. At one performance she won a first-place blue ribbon for a recital featuring Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. You can still find that blue ribbon in her jewelry box today. Paige shares her appreciation, “I owe a huge gratitude to Denver Public Schools for their music programs. I would not be anywhere as a musician without the programs in place while growing up in Denver.”

When asked why she continues to play with the Denver Pops Paige shares, “I love to play music, it keeps me whole and fills my cup up. I have a very stressful work life as an ER nurse. I like classical music, and I love pop music. I like that the Denver Pops play a lot of different things.”

Paige – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

This season the Denver Pops want to celebrate 40 years with you! Enter to win a VIP Experience at one of the Denver Pops concerts for our 40th Anniversary. VIP Experience includes two concert tickets (4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian on December 14, February 29 or April 18) and a 4-course tasting menu for two at Sarto’s Social Italian Eatery’s Cicchetti Counter.  

Meet Laura Reynolds

To Laura Reynolds music is more than just a hobby, it’s her career. Laura teaches band, orchestra, piano and guitar classes at Holy Family High School. With 21 years of experience Laura is a great addition to the clarinet section. 

Laura’s first inspiration to play came from Mr. Holland’s Opus and the clarinet scene where Alicia Witt practices “Playing the Sunset”. Her future inspiration came from her high school band director, Rosa Adams-Bussard. Laura shares, “She was an amazing, talented, wonderful woman who still inspires me daily as a band director myself.”

When asked about her favorite memory playing Laura recounts a performance that took place while she was attending Western Illinois University and getting her Masters in Music Education. “We got to perform Maslanka’s “Symphony No. 4” with Maslanka there to rehearse us. It is a super powerful, amazing piece and since he is no longer with us, the memory is extra special.”

Laura continues to play with the Denver Pops because of the music and the people, including Ron Argotsinger, Music Director. “He knows how to help our group and we continue to improve each concert. I enjoy creating beautiful music as a team.”

Laura – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

Want to get involved and support Laura and other volunteer musicians in the Denver Pops? Join us for the 40th Anniversary as a concert day staff. Concert day staff duties include set up, ticket sales/check in, ushers, partner support and clean up. Sign up today or email lara@smedleyevents.com to learn more. 

Meet Grace Stean

According to Grace the violin picked her when she was 9 years old. Her parents had agreed to get her an instrument and Grace had her heart set on a cello but her parents selected the violin and the rest is history.

Over the years Grace has played with several groups including the University of Central Missouri Symphony Orchestra, the Kansas City Philharmonia, the Arapahoe Philharmonic and the Denver Pops.

When asked who has inspired her as a musician Grace shared, “Larry Wegner, the resident pianist of the Clocktower Cabaret in Denver. He’s a rock start to me. I also find it inspiring when parents from non-music families recognize the importance of music and lovingly nurture music for their children, like my parents did!”

Some of Grace’s favorite memories of playing come with her custom electric violin. Once, she won a trip to Palm Springs for playing electric violin at the Denver Modernism Show.

Grace enjoys performing with the Denver Pops because of their high caliber ensemble. She also shares, “It’s important for me to read music to keep my mind sharp. Music helped me recover from two mild brain injuries that I had in 2016.”

Grace – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.

This season the Denver Pops want to want to celebrate 40 years with you! Enter to win a VIP Experience at one of the Denver Pops concerts for our 40th Anniversary. VIP Experience includes two concert tickets (4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian on December 14, February 29 or April 18) and a 4-course tasting menu for two at Sarto’s Social Italian Eatery’s Cicchetti Counter.

Meet Megan O'Brien

Megan, violin player for the Denver Pops started her music career at the age of 6. “I almost don’t remember not playing!” shares Megan. “I played music whenever I could including fiddling with an adult orchestra as a kid.”

A life-long musician Megan finds inspiration Hilary Hahn, Sarah Change, Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma. One of her favorite playing memories comes from her high school youth orchestra days when they had the opportunity to play on the Great Wall of China. 

When asked what she enjoys about playing with the Denver Pops Megan shared, “I love keeping up with my skills by playing with a group and performing with other musicians. I like that the Denver Pops want to make symphonic music more approachable to people and that we get to play a variety of great classical and pop music.”

Megan – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

This season the Denver Pops want to want to celebrate 40 years with you! Enter to win a VIP Experience at one of the Denver Pops concerts for our 40th Anniversary. VIP Experience includes two concert tickets (4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian on December 14, February 29 or April 18) and a 4-course tasting menu for two at Sarto’s Social Italian Eatery’s Cicchetti Counter.  

Meet Betsy Nelms

Betsy Nelms has been playing the flute since she was 10 years old. Betsy’s love of music runs deep in her family as both her mother and grandmother had college music degrees. 

Growing up surrounded by music Betsy has continued to grow as a player while performing in many orchestras including the Jefferson Symphony, Evergreen Chamber, ALRY Flute Choir and Colorado Holiday Flute Choir along with the Denver Pops. 

Betsy joined the Denver Pops (formerly Mostly Strauss Orchestra) in the 90’s as a sub and would later audition and be awarded the principal flute. She would also begin serving as the Librarian for the Denver Pops in 2003 as well as organize a small group called the Grant Ave Players that took chamber music to senior centers in Denver. 

Betsy – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

 Want to get involved and support Betsy and other volunteer musicians in the Denver Pops? Join us for the 40th Anniversary as a concert day staff. Concert day staff duties include set up, ticket sales/check in, ushers, partner support and clean up. Sign up today or email lara@smedleyevents.com to learn more. 

Meet Justin Mathis

Justin has been playing the clarinet for 25 years and it all began after hearing the opening clarinet solo to Gerschwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. His passion for music led to a full ride scholarship to the University of Colorado showing that music can provide so many opportunities throughout your life. 

Over the years Justin has played with several musical groups including the Colorado Youth Symphony, Don Ambler Clarinet Choir and the Lakewood Symphony to name a few. One of his favorite memories of playing was when he was featured as a soloist with the Denver Pops in 2013. 

When asked why he is a member of the Denver Pops Justin said, “I love the great community of talented, quality and fun people. The Denver Pops have an opportunity to revive and make symphonic music more relevant and enjoyable.”

Justin – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

This season the Denver Pops have launched a new donor program aptly named, Friends of the Denver Pops. For $40 you can support your favorite musician or instrument and you will receive recognition in the Denver Pops concert program. Your support allows for our volunteer musicians to continue to create memorable experiences for the Denver community through familiar music. Donate today and celebrate 40 years of the Denver Pops with us!

Meet Charlie Wright

Charlie, Board President of the Denver Pops, had his first private music lesson at the age of 7 and has followed the beat ever since. 

As a percussionist Charlie has played in some amazing venues including Constitution Hall, Kennedy Center and the ORF Recording Studio in Salzburg. Some of his fondest memories include performing with the North Carolina Symphony and the Nashville Symphony. 

As the principal percussionist Charlie enjoys watching and hearing the reactions of the audience at Denver Pops concerts. The Denver Pops play familiar music from Star Trek to Lord of the Rings and Broadway music like Wicked and Chicago. Charlie enjoys being a part of a group that performs at such a high level while contributing to the Denver arts community. 

Charlie – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

This season the Denver Pops want to want to celebrate 40 years with you! Enter to win a VIP Experience at one of the Denver Pops concerts for our 40th Anniversary. VIP Experience includes two concert tickets (4 p.m. at Central Presbyterian on October 12, December 14, February 29 or April 18) and a 4-course tasting menu for two at Sarto’s Social Italian Eatery’s Cicchetti Counter.  

Meet Jon-Paul Frappier

Did you know the Denver Pops have a musician that has performed with Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, The Four Tops and The Temptations? Meet Jon-Paul, principal trumpet, arranger and Board Member of the Denver Pops.  

A Detroit native, Jon-Paul has an impressive background with over 25 years of performing, 15 years as a session musician in Nashville and touring across the US, Canada and Europe. Some of his performances include appearances with Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton, Jack White, Jordin Sparks and Bernadette Peters. He’s also made TV appearances on the 2015 PBS Christmas at Belmont, 2015 CMA Festival and 2013 CMA Artist of the Year to name a few.  

Don’t miss seeing Jon-Paul on Saturday, October 12th at the Denver Pops first concert of the 40th Anniversary where he will be the featured soloist on a piece written and conducted by Rick DeJonge.  

Jon-Paul – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.         

Meet Holly Newcomb

Holly has been playing the violin for 41 years and was introduced to the instrument by her father who was a music teacher, clarinet player and one of her musical inspirations. Over the years Holly excelled in her craft and was able to perform in the All-State Orchestra in high school and studied under Will Schwartz at Colorado State University. 

As a talented musician Holly finds inspiration from local performers and other musicians she plays with in various groups including the Denver Pops, Augustana Arts, and other small ensembles. 

Beyond the regular season concerts at Central Presbyterian, the Denver Pops provide other performance opportunities for its musicians. Some of Holly’s favorite performances have been with the Roy Orbison Hologram Tour and the Cirque Musica holiday shows. 

Holly joined the Denver Pops in 1996 and has served as the Assistant Concertmaster since 2003, Personnel Manager since 2007 and has had two stints on the Board of Directors (2008-2012 and 2017-present). Holly’s dedication to the Denver Pops is evident by the impact she has made on the organization and we are so lucky to have her as part of our family. 

When asked why she was a part of the Denver Pops, Holly replied, “I love the repertoire of the Pops – it’s fun music everyone can recognize, we have an amazing Director who is constantly looking for new opportunities for the orchestra, and we are a music family!”. 

Holly – thank you for being a part of the Denver Pops journey and our mission to serve the community through the performance of familiar music for the last 40 years.