BRING MUSIC - Key Persons
Executive Director, Christine Andresen, has been involved with Bringing Music to Life since its inception as the Instrument Drive at Colorado Public Radio. Over the years, she has served as administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator; she is currently co-editor of the quarterly newsletter, Quarter Notes, with fellow Board member, Lin Williams. A resident of Denver, CO, she is serving her third 3-year term on the board and is a paid staff member.
Michael Frank, Board Chair, is a retired pediatrician with a lifelong passion for music. During the final years of his medical career, he even earned a BA in music composition from Regis University. Michael also serves on board of Developmental FX, a Denver based nonprofit that focuses on children with developmental disabilities. A resident of Littleton, CO, he is serving his second 3-year term on the Board.
Michael was motivated to join the board of Bringing Music to Life because of a love of music and a passion to help promote it among school-aged kids. "I greatly admire the mission of BMTL and all the opportunities it provides for our youth today. Music is a gateway to so many opportunities and experiences both individually and in a group setting." After 20 years Michael also retired from a local band called FreeStyle for which he played guitar, bass, harmonica, and did vocals, but still performs with a friend at charity house parties. However, most of his current creativity is currently put into composing classical instrumental and vocal pieces. Michael's wife is a retired Family Practice Doctor and their three grown children and significant others all currently reside close by in Denver.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director Emeritus
, brings 45 years of experience in marketing and communications to the organization. Prior to founding Bringing Music to Life, Steve created, developed and managed the first four instrument drives at Colorado Public Radio. He acted as Executive Director for 13 years. Although he has recently stepped down from that leadership role he will continue to serve on the Board.
"As the son of a pianist/composer/conductor, I was fortunate to always have music in my life, and I wanted other children to have that opportunity." Steve played violin as part of the family trio, and now picks up his guitar when he can. "Frets on a fingerboard are very forgiving."
Sue Coughlin is recently retired from Colorado Public Radio as a Development professional. Sue's career at CPR spanned 29 years and included both corporate support and major gift fundraising. A resident of Denver, Sue is serving her first three-year term on the board.
Sue's background also includes four years as an elementary teacher where she learned the value of music as both a teaching tool and an outlet for creative expression and inspiration. That experience, along with her fundraising at CPR, motivated her to pursue a board position at BMTL. Sue looks forward to "being involved in a non-profit that gives young people the opportunity to expand their minds and spirits through a lovingly refurbished instrument."