C.Y.M.B.A.L. - COLORADO YOUTH IN MUSIC BENEFITS ACADEMIC LEARNING

 CYMBAL

COLORADO YOUTH IN MUSIC BENEFITS ACADEMIC LEARNING

“Every student in the nation should have an education in the arts.”…MENC Music Educators National Conference

The benefits conveyed by music education can be grouped in four categories:

  • Success in society
  • Success in school
  • Success in developing intelligence
  • Success in life

Music education in our schools has been jeopardized or eliminated due to the huge cuts in funding throughout the state. Pro Players Association is working with several local music professionals developing a music academy for youth in Colorado. The academy would be a nonprofit branch of our organization, offering an introduction to music and teaching instrumental lessons to disadvantaged, disabled, and at-risk youth. These children are the ones who have been most affected by the budget cuts in the school system's low income areas. The programs "Put a Horn in Your Hand", “Go Strum Around”, "Stick It", and “Finger Those Keys” will help to get those kids acquainted and familiarized with musical possibilities through discipline, respect, responsibility, and success.

CYMBAL ADVISOR TINY BARGE PASSED AWAY

Just received sad news that Tiny Barge, distinguished, composer, producer, performer, and all-around great friend passed away December 28, 2025.
 
Tiny and I worked together on many musical events. I booked his band, Tiny Barge and the Big Chill many times over the years. 
 
He was a member of Pro Players Association and an advisor on our CYMBAL (Colorado Youth in Music Benefits Academic Learning) community project.
 
Singer/Songwriter, Tiny Barge formed his band Tiny Barge and The Big Chill, in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1986. Tiny Barge and The Big Chill has since continued to be one of Colorado's best-known acts.
 
Tiny and the band has shared the stage with many of the great names in rock and country. For over a decade, Tiny has been a fixture at the nationally acclaimed music festivals, Country Jam USA (Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Grand Junction, Colorado), and Country Thunder USA (Lake Geneva,Wisconsin and Pheonix, Arizona). Tiny Barge has been one of Colorado most sort after fund raising performers.
From 1990-2001, Tiny Barge was the featured performer at the John Elway Celebrity Golf Classic and also had the distinct honor of performing at Mr. Elways official NFL retirement party.
 
As a songwriter, Tiny's song, "Everytime See A Butterfly," has been recorded and released by, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Maxine Nightingale, and several versions by the jazz great, Les McCann.
 
Tiny’s heart and soul was always present in all his compositions, his performances, and his generosity to the community.
 
Tiny and I spent many hours talking music both in person and on the phone over the years. He  was always very supportive of my endeavors and achievements. 
 
Tiny, you will be greatly missed by me and so many others who were privileged to have engaged with you in so many ways.
 
Condolences to the Barge family and his Band family. May his memory be for a blessing and may he rest in peace. 
 
There is going to be a memorial for Tiny on Sunday, Jan. 18th from 2p-5p at Thunder & Buttons II - 2415 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs.
 
Photos and Video©️Blind Images
 

 

Fundraising

VISIT OUR CONCERTS & FESTIVALS PAGE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.

Donations of new and gently used musical instruments will be accepted at the concert.

 

Night at the Theatre Benefit for

CYMBAL – Colorado Youth in Music Benefits Academic Learning

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) and The Denver Center Theatre Company in association Pro Players Association (PPA) present ‘The Catch’ WORLD PREMIERE by Ken Weitzman; Directed by Lou Jacob; recipient of an Edgerton Foundation for New American Plays Award.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Pre-Theatre Reception was held in the Bonfils main lobby. The reception will be based on a baseball theme represented by internationally-known baseball themed artists, current and alumni players of Major League Baseball and special celebrity guests, complete with baseball fare food and drink. Former NY Yankee Brian Fisher, former Denver Bronco Ron Egloff, AFL Hall of Famer Myron Jefferson, and CEO Gary R. Adler attended the event on behalf of Pro Players Association.

Former Denver Bronco Ron Egloff and former NY Yankee Brian Fisher share the evening's events with their wives at "The Catch" World Premiere.

PRO PLAYERS ASSOCIATION'S CYMBAL PROJECT RECEIVES FIRST GRANT

Pro Players Association is proud to announce the award of a Community Grant from the Sam's Club Foundation to benefit CYMBAL (Colorado Youth in Music Benefits Academic Learning). A formal presentation of the grant in the amount of $1000 took place Thursday, November 19 at the Sam’s Club store located at 7817 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, Co.

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Pictured from left - Sam's Club Marketing Rep John, PPA Advisory Board members former Denver Broncos Bill Harris and Dave Studdard, Sam's Club General Manager Jim Serino, PPA DJ Mike Harris, PPA President & CEO Gary R. Adler, Sam's Club Marketing Rep Sandy Atencio, and at the piano, Musician-Composer-Arranger Tiny Barge.

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