Denver Jazz Heroes
A jazz power couple who’ve been at the heart of the seven-county Denver Metropolitan scene for decades, Chris and Paul Romaine have built an educational institution responsible for nurturing hundreds of aspiring jazz musicians. A veteran player and educator, Paul has served on the music faculty at the University of Colorado at Boulder since 2005, and also taught at MSU Denver. Together with Chris, he developed a far-reaching vision for jazz education, co-founding the nonprofit Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts. As artistic director, he’s developed unique programs for students of all ages throughout Colorado who play together and study with professionals.
A first-call player, Paul has led, recorded, or performed with countless combinations of the Denver area’s best players and with internationally acclaimed artists such as Eddie Harris, Benny Golson, James Moody, Randy Brecker, Jimmy Heath, Christian McBride, Roberta Gambarini, and dozens of other luminaries. Paul was honored to receive a Presidential Scholars Program Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education.
As the executive director of the CCJA, Chris provides executive leadership and manages its daily operations. Wearing many hats in this position, she draws on her passion for jazz and youth, love of learning, and the varied experiences she brings to the job. She participates with the artistic director, board of directors and faculty in planning and establishing policies, objectives, and priorities as well as directing the development of CCJA’s strategic action and fundraising plans.
Chris received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Denver, where she also minored in music. She later taught social studies (and some music) in Cherry Creek public schools for five years. She spent several years running a tea shop/restaurant/mail order/catering business with her mother and sister, and after selling the Chrbusiness she and Paul decided to launch the CCJA.
It seemed to meet a deep need in the community and its steady growth led them to turn the conservatory into a nonprofit organization, which meant building a board and attracting volunteers and more people from the community. It turns out that Chris’s jazz-steeped teen years and teaching background, combined with her experience of owning a business, serve her well in her position as executive director. Working as a team, the Romaines have opened the door to jazz for many young musicians, earning the 2026 Jazz Hero Award.
—Arturo Gomez, 2025 JJA Marian McPartland-Willis Conover Award for Career Achievement in Broadcasting
