A Short History of Pagosa Springs Instrumental Music Society
PSIMS was officially formed as a 501c(3) in 2012 as a spin off from Curtains up Pagosa (CUP). A group of local musicians had been performing for CUP musicals for many years. To keep the musicians in practice, Sally Neel, then head of CUP, suggested that they organize other performances throughout the year for the community. The first year the fledgling Community Band performed with the high school and middle school in the Spring, calling it the Band-O-Rama with Larry Baisdon and Bill Gottschalk as the conductors. They also played at the Hot Springs Resort as part of the Fourth of July festivities and again at Christmas time as the Heralds of Christmas. After the first year with CUP serving in an administrative capacity, arranging the venues and selling tickets, the Community Band decided to strike out on their own and provide concerts for free. PSIMS was born.
Our current conductors are Leo Baughman, Malinda Burnett and Suzanne Hill. PSIMS has always shared donations from the high school and middle school for equipment. Over the years we have purchased a beautiful set of chimes for the High School and several music stands and provided scholarships for high school graduates continuing in musical careers.
It is vital to the continuation of the high caliber of musical performances in Pagosa Springs to continue encouraging musicians of all ages to get comfortable playing in public for our concerts. It is a big step for many rusty musicians and PSIMS provides the opportunity for them to experience performing live in a supportive and encouraging environment.