Our founder has always had a burning desire to inspire people with vocal music, and what better way to do so than by creating and leading an organization that has given thousands of children the skills to develop their voices and musical talent? For 35 years, Jena Dickey served as Artistic Director of Young Voices of Colorado, building it into one of the region’s premier children’s choirs.

Her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Texas (Austin) and Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Colorado (Boulder), along with postgraduate study through Choral Music Experience, the Kodály Institute (U.S. and Hungary), Toronto Children’s Chorus Symposia, Creating Artistry, and other specialized courses, propelled her to the forefront of children’s choral leadership.

Under her direction, Young Voices choirs won top awards at major competitions, including 1st place solo and 2nd place a cappella group at the prestigious Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod in Wales. Her students have toured 13 countries on three continents, appeared at Disney World, and taken center stage at Carnegie Hall.

As a leader in her field, Jena has chaired the Children’s Choir Committee for the American Choral Directors Association, served on the National Children’s Choir Committee, and cofounded the Sing A Mile High International Children’s Choral Festival. Her legacy endures in the Young Voices choirs and the festival she helped create—living testaments to her passion for young voices and the joy of music.

Read more about Jena’s legacy in her retirement interview here: A Legacy of Song: Honoring Jena Dickey’s 35 Years at YVC