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Meet the Staff

Meet the Staff: Frank Valdez

September 25, 2022 by Eric Lentz

Frank Valdez is the Denver Children’s Choir’s Principal Accompanist and has been with the organization over 5 years. Originally from Boone, Colorado, Frank started piano at 7 years old and was accompanying by age 10. First taught by his older sister, “The piano was in her room, and I would sit outside her door. I remember begging her for lessons.” Going on to study at the University of Southern Colorado, he fostered a natural desire and talent for accompaniment. He later studied at the Aspen Music School and University of Northern Colorado, where he was the Goodbrod Scholar in piano performance.


While Frank was not accepted into Julliard, he did find a life passion. After taking a receptionist job at a hair salon, he fell in love with the atmosphere. “I saw the relationship between the hairdressers and the people and thought that’s what I want to do as a career. So, I went right into beauty school. Sitting in a practice room for four hours is so solitary, and I’m such a social person.”

Nevertheless, Valdez has kept up the piano, giving recitals, accompanying singers in opera competitions, and performing at AIDS benefits. At one point in his career, he was narrowly selected to perform for an inaugural Van Cliburn Piano Competition in Texas. “It was a big deal, all this media attention, I had NPR calling me. I was on the front page of the Dallas newspaper.”

In a 1999 interview from the Denver Post before the competition Frank noted, “I want to play an emotionally dynamic program, but I also want it to be technically as clean as possible, although I’d rather have someone walk away with an artistic and emotional experience than a cold, flat technical performance.” Valdez played Bach, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Prokofiev’s Sonata No.- 1 from memory. Frank recalls “it was a cutthroat situation, and I wasn’t interested in winning. I was interested in a community.”

And into the community he went, volunteering for public schools, performing for local communities and getting calls from the Denver Center to perform difficult scores. While continuing to style hair and becoming an avid tennis player, Valdez has raised two adopted children from the foster care system with his partner, Brad. Frank believes that drawing on his parenting experiences has helped him bring more compassion and empathy to every area of his life. We sat down with Frank at the lovely Mint and Serif coffee house for an interview.

What has been your biggest surprise at DCC?
“The level of excellence that we strive for.”

What keeps you coming back?
“There is so much room to grow. All the amazing experience accompanying while putting pedagogy into practical application keeps me coming back. And, honestly, I would also have to say that working with youth and children, you have opportunity to advocate for mental health. I know I can be a valuable resource.”

What is the most important thing DCC does?
“The DCC makes music fun and enjoyable…. and challenging. There are many ways to do things, and there is an absence of ego here. The aha moment was realizing Lisa has a very musical approach to repertoire and by making it about being about beautiful music and well sung, a lot of the pedagogical components fall into place. The staff at the DCC makes the learning process about listening. It’s not about drill and kill it’s about making music which is different than simply learning music.”

How does DCC create an inclusive environment?
“We are authentic, you can’t fabricate inclusivity, it has to be genuine. We bring all of our experiences to the table. All of our experiences as parents, artists, community members help us to understand people. There is an openness in the level of communication and that freedom is a shared value. Inclusivity is built into the fabric at DCC. It is imperative to meet children where they are at – musically and emotionally.”

Why is inclusivity so important?
“Young people don’t necessarily listen to anything you say but observe everything you do.”

What makes Frank, Frank?
“Adopting two kids from foster care system, has made me a more compassionate person. It’s been a humbling experience, for sure. I’ve never been in the spotlight but have been in the periphery, and no matter how talented you are there’s always someone out there that is more talented. After having the amazing opportunities and experiences I’ve had, now, I don’t feel the need to flex. I had to draw upon my experiences to be well prepared to be stand into this moment, as insular as it was for me. I love collaborating with other musicians and when there’s a lot of moving parts. I have to be at the ready to make mistakes seem seamless and I enjoy that. I’m just a dad who has a lot of experiences as an accompanist.”

Frank has been with his partner Brad for 20 years. They live in Denver with their two sons, Tristian age 16 and Justice age 19, along with two dogs and a cat – “down from hundreds of chameleons.” While balancing his professional endeavors, Frank enjoys cooking, playing tennis and becoming an amateur barista.

Favorite DCC memory
“When my son sang for Mountain Aires and seeing him perform at Trinity Methodist Church and The University of Denver. I remember thinking this is his first concert venue and look where it is!”

Favorite Ice cream
“Pistachio”

Favorite vacation spot
“Anywhere my family is”

Favorite performance attended
“My sons’ musicals at St. Anne’s”

Favorite meal to cook
“Pasta Alfredo”

Favorite meal to eat
“Anything anyone else cooks”


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Meet the Staff: Mercedes Campana

September 22, 2022 by Lisa

It is my pleasure to talk about Mercedes Campana. I have known her for 33 years as I am her proud mother. Merce’s favorite composer as a youth was Mozart. She watched Amadeus hundreds of times and was singing the “Queen of the Night” aria from The Magic Flute when she was 5 years old.

Merce was a charter member of the Rocky Mountain Children’s Choir’s Alpine ensemble when we opened fall of 1996 at 7 years old. The following year she was promoted to Summit, which was our mixed high school ensemble back then.

Flash forward to the present. Merce has arranged dozens of songs for the DCC. Last spring we performed 3 of her arrangements for our Harmony of Children spring concert. The Fourteeners, Kol Nashim, and Impromptu performed her original composition, Mother Earth for the “Sing Out for SafeHouse!” concert in 2017.

Merce has accompanied numerous DCC ensembles and is one of the primary conductors for our Fourteeners and Mountain Aires. She brings a fresh view with many innovative ideas to the musical staff. We all have much to learn from her vast knowledge about world music and music theory.

Merce is passionate about the Denver Children’s Choir and musical excellence. We are very lucky to have her on staff and in our lives.
– Lisa Cameron, Music Director

“Growing up, my sisters and I always referred to the choir as our church: our community, our friend network, and our spiritual realization.

“The Denver Children’s choir has meant so much more to me than just music over the years. Some of my most wonderful friendships today were forged at the choir as a child, and I feel privileged to facilitate future connections today. I absolutely love going to work!”

– Mercedes Campana

Read more about Merce here.

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Meet the Staff: Eric Lentz

July 1, 2022 by Eric Lentz

July 1, 2022
“I am a heart-led and head-oriented organizational champion. I believe in the mission of the Denver Children’s Choir and look forward to reaching out to Denver metro youth.”

Welcome Back Eric Lentz!

Eric Lentz, prior Executive Director and past DCC Board President, is back to serve the Choir as Executive Director with Music Director, Lisa Cameron.

Since leaving the Choir in 2004, Eric has held leadership positions with several nonprofit organizations. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director for Elevations Foundation.

Eric’s longest tenure was as Senior Vice President for the intercultural educational program, Up with People. During his time with the organization, he served in many facets: business development, business management, fundraising, marketing, admissions, and show development. A published songwriter of over 20 songs performed in 21 countries, Eric was inducted into the Up with People Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2016.

Eric believes strongly in the power of the arts and formed a production company, Key2Change, during the pandemic. K2C is a production, ideation, and strategic consulting company with the foundational belief that the arts are key to inspiring and initiating positive change.

Eric geeks out on craft beer and musical theatre, loves running and playing guitar (not at the same time), and is a lifelong fan of the Denver Broncos. Eric’s biggest accomplishments are being married to Jill, and producing two energetic teenage boys who just taught their puppy to do her business outside (mostly).

Eric with some of his production team at a Key2Change event

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Filed Under: Meet the Staff

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