Editor's update: Since interviewing Luis Granda for this story, we were pleased to learn that his career has carried him to Massachusetts where he currently serves as development manager at Williams College Museum of Art.
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鈥淚 wouldn't have been able to get this job without the arts administration certificate from the University of Colorado Boulder,鈥� says Luis Granda (MM 鈥�20), recently named assistant director of donor and patron relations for the Boulder Philharmonic. In addition to a master鈥檚 degree in double bass performance from the College of Music, Granda earned a Certificate in Arts Administration here to position himself for a career building funding support for the arts.
鈥淚 believe strongly in the arts,鈥� continues Granda, who鈥檚 originally from Massachusetts where he earned his undergraduate degree and a Professional Performance Certificate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 鈥淏oth of my parents were artists, and my wife is a professional ceramicist. This is our life, and it鈥檚 important for me to talk about the arts and why they deserve funding鈥攅ither from donors or through grants.鈥澨�
He adds, 鈥淚鈥檝e been a recording engineer, I鈥檝e played in folk and rock bands, and I have a classical master鈥檚 degree and an undergraduate degree in jazz and African American music. Working in development is a way for me to take this combined knowledge and experience to talk to others about why it鈥檚 important to fund the arts.鈥澨�
Granda attributes Joan McLean Braun鈥檚 Introduction to Arts Administration class鈥攑art of the Certificate in Arts Administration curriculum鈥攁s pivotal preparation for his new career. Braun serves as entrepreneurial lecturer, as well as executive director of CU Presents and assistant dean for concerts and communications.听
鈥淛oan鈥檚 class was a way for me to get an overview of the entire world of arts administration. She introduced me to development, donor relations, patron relations, working with venues, management, contracts and artists,鈥� explains Granda. 鈥淛oan has also been a big influence for me in where my career is headed. She is my mentor, she鈥檚 so exciting to talk to, she鈥檚 got great energy...and she inspires me.鈥澨�
Granda further credits Dean John Davis鈥� Management and Leadership in the Arts class as a significant focal point during his academic experience, shaping who he aspires to be as a manager, a role he will assume in his new position with the Boulder Phil. Learning grantwriting during his development internship with Colorado Symphony was also critical in setting his career direction.听
Says Granda about joining the team at the Boulder Philharmonic, 鈥淭his is a very interesting and community-driven orchestra. They鈥檙e committed to diversity and reaching new audiences to enrich lives and to serve as a positive voice in the community.
鈥淟ike all arts organizations, the Phil is re-emerging in the community post-COVID. A lot has changed culturally, and new conversations are happening around racial equity and the LGBTQ+ community.听
鈥淭he orchestra has a great opportunity to really represent the community. I鈥檓 excited to see so many interesting and diverse voices in our upcoming season, and for this opportunity to work with the Phil鈥檚 new executive director, Sarah Parkinson.鈥�
For the college鈥檚 Entrepreneurship Center for Music, Granda also remains active as teaching artist facilitator for the Colorado Lullaby Project.
