Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Click here to read about our Inclusivity Stipend to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Colorado MahlerFest Orchestra.

 

In the summer of 2020, the Colorado MahlerFest Board of Directors issued a “Message of Unity” in response to the murder of George Floyd, other similar incidents, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the general issue of racism. In the fall, the board authorized the formation of a “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” committee.  And in March of 2021, the board approved the following committee mission statement.

The Colorado MahlerFest Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee charts a course for the Colorado MahlerFest Board of Directors by proactively recommending policies and practices to foster diversity in the MahlerFest community on and off stage. We speak up for marginalized populations and advocate for their equity and inclusion in all Colorado MahlerFest programming. Our committee strives to set a welcoming and inclusive tone for MahlerFest as a whole, and we encourage the organization to invite, honor, and respect diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.

The committee further commits to the following work:

  • Assess the needs of the organization to meet our inclusiveness mission and identify how the organization has contributed to and benefited from systemic racism
  • Identify goals to address those needs 
  • Develop strategies to achieve the identified goals and move us closer to our aspirations
  • Create and track metrics to evaluate progress toward those goals 
  • Report to the board on these needs, goals, strategies, and metrics
  • Examine practices and policies within the organization and proactively recommend alternative equitable structures, systems, policies, and practices
  • Develop and monitor the diversity stipend program for orchestra members from marginalized groups
  • Listen with humility to conversations about diversity in our organization and in the classical music world

This page will highlight important updates and the work of this committee in an effort to be as transparent as possible about our attempts to tackle this subject. We welcome your comments and ideas at DEI@MahlerFest.org.

In the spring of 2023, the committee drafted and the MahlerFest board approved this Code of Conduct policy.

 

Get involved in our efforts: 

  • Support our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Programs: Colorado MahlerFest is committed to building an equitable community and inclusive organization where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are invited, honored, and respected. Donate here and choose “DEI Programs” in the “Designation” dropdown to further our goals of making symphonic music accessible to all communities by bringing a wide range of diverse artists to our stages.
  • Join our Committee: We meet virtually on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am Mountain Time. Contact Ethan.Hecht@MahlerFest.org or 720-310-8946 for more information.
  • Make Suggestions: Have an idea for DEI program? Want to provide feedback on a program we already have? Contact Ethan.Hecht@MahlerFest.org


Current Committee Members 

  • Yenlik (Ella) Weiss, Chair – MF Board/Orchestra Member – Musician and Educator
  • Jan Cartwright – MF Board Member – Freelance Writer and Editor
  • David Ensign – Community Member – Former President of the Boulder County Aids Project
  • Ethan Hecht – MF Executive Director – Musician and Nonprofit Administrator
  • Robert Norris – Community Member – Environmental Scientist – Colorado Immigrants Rights Coalition Board Member & El Comite de Longmont Board Vice President
  • Jordan Pyle – MF Orchestra Member – 2nd Oboe/English Horn in the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra