Our staff is full of individuals dedicated to our mission. Below you’ll find pictures of our full time team, as well as a little bit about each of us.
Our Staff
Ingrid Larragoity-Martin, Executive Director
Dr. Ingrid Larragoity-Martin is the Executive Director of El Sistema Colorado and serves as conductor of the Conservatory Orchestra of Denver Young Artist Orchestra. She brings over 22 years of high school and collegiate instrumental experience as a conductor, music educator, and community leader. Her passion to diversify and create inclusive music classrooms has impacted her leadership from the podium and into the music community at the state and national level. She looks forward to expanding her impact as a nonprofit leader through community-building, creating pathways for musical excellence, and engaging nonprofit leaders and educators in conversations around access, equity, inclusion, and social justice in the music classroom and beyond.
Prior to these appointments, she served as Director of Bands at Skyline Visual and Performing Arts High School in Longmont, Colorado. Dr. Larragoity-Martin also served as Associate Director of Bands/Music Education Coordinator and then Interim Director of Bands at New Mexico State University. Before then she served as Associate Director of Bands at Henderson State University. In her time in these positions, she conducted both wind and orchestral ensembles, commissioned and premiered repertoire, created innovative programming that crossed international borders, and collaborated with colleagues and community members to build substantive musical experiences.
As an active conductor, she has led honor/all state instrumental ensembles in Florida, Georgia, Connecticut, New Mexico, Colorado, New York, California, Missouri and Texas. She has initiated programs with New World Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, and Colorado Symphony, connecting her ensembles to professional musicians and experiences. Internationally, she most recently served as guest lecturer on The World, Residence at Sea, presenting lectures and conducting clinics throughout Europe. Dr. Larragoity-Martin also cofounded and led Jinsha Summer Music Festival, a musical and cultural program for music students from the United States and from the SiChuan Conservatory of Music in Chengdu, China.
Jason Stephens, Marketing and Communications Director
Jason Stephens (he/him/his) is passionate about telling stories that inspire, connect, and celebrate the transformative power of music education. As Marketing & Communications Director, he leads the organization's marketing, communications, and storytelling efforts, sharing the experiences of El Sistema Colorado's students, teaching artists, families, and community partners. Whether he's writing, designing, photographing an event, or highlighting student achievements, his goal is to help others experience the impact of Music Without Barriers.
With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, arts administration, and music education, Jason has dedicated his career to expanding access to the arts and building meaningful connections within communities. Prior to joining El Sistema Colorado, he served as Tour Director for the United States Army Field Band, coordinating national concert tours and educational outreach initiatives that connected audiences across the country. His professional experience also includes leadership roles with nonprofit organizations, schools, and performing arts organizations, where he has developed communications strategies, cultivated partnerships, and supported mission-driven programming.
Outside of work, Jason enjoys attending concerts, exploring Colorado, cheering on his kids, and discovering new local restaurants. He is grateful to be part of an organization that believes every child deserves access to high-quality music education and is proud to help share the stories that bring El Sistema Colorado's mission to life.
Johnny Szumski, Program Director
Johnny Szumski (he/him/his) is El Sistema Colorado’s Program Director. Born and raised in Avon, Indiana, he fell in love with music education as a young clarinetist and never looked back. He earned his Bachelor’s of Instrumental Music Education from Indiana State University, and since then has worked with hundreds of students in dozens of ensembles, both domestic and international. He has several years of experience as a private lessons teacher, an ensemble coach, a guest conductor, and most recently as a public school music and English teacher in Spain. His passion lies at the intersection of music education and inclusivity, and as such, he’s thrilled to put his talents to use in service of El Sistema Colorado’s incredible mission.
Outside of the office, Johnny enjoys building community through music, adventure, and food. He’s an avid performer, often seeking out weekend gigs as a singer, guitar player, and bassist. He has been known to disappear into the mountains for days at a time, chasing beautiful views and long alpine climbs with his friends and his partner, Jennie. After any activity, be it a fundraiser, a performance, or a climbing trip, Johnny loves to relax in the kitchen and throw together a plate of spaghetti or a few tacos.
Katie Burns, ECE Manager, Early Strings Lead, Teaching Artist
Katie Burns (she/her/hers) leads the Early Childhood and Early Strings
Programs at El Sistema Colorado where she provides pedagogical and
artistic leadership for our youngest students. Katie received her
Master of Music in Suzuki Cello Pedagogy at the University of Denver,
and Bachelor of Music at Butler University in Indianapolis.
As a performer, Katie has served as Principal Cellist of the Denver
Philharmonic Orchestra and has played for various touring musicians,
musicals, ballets, operas, film recordings, and season concerts since
2003. When she is not at El Sistema Colorado, Katie also runs a
private cello studio, and is on faculty with Lamont Suzuki Strings.
Beatriz Martinez, Administrative Secretary
Beatriz Martinez (she/her/ella) is a 2017 El Sistema Colorado alumna. Beatriz is in her third year at the University of Colorado Denver working toward a degree in International Studies.
Beatriz first heard of El Sistema when she was in middle school and a student in the program for about four years. Growing up, her parents would take her on annual trips to the United States and Mexico, which inspired her passion for traveling and seeing the world. During her free time she likes to watch movies or go to baseball games during the summer. Beatriz coordinates with our students and families to ensure a safe and happy environment.
Want to work with us? Visit our jobs page to see what postions El Sistema Colorado is currently hiring for. You can also fill out our volunteer form, or look into joining our board.