Admin IL
Jim Hirsch
Executive Director
Chicago Sinfonietta
Chicago, Illinois
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Years in current position: 4
Years in the field: 28
Majors:
Music
Additional Training:
I have attended numerous conferences, workshops, and other educational
training programs and have benefited from all of them. I have also been
very fortunate to have had some great mentors throughout my career.
Career Path:
Vice President and Executive Director, Chicago Association for the Performing Arts
Executive Director, Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago)
Founder, chicagoclassicalmusic.org
Producer, radio (NPR)
Consultant, arts and social service agencies
What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Given that this is my first orchestral job, in some regards, it’s all
been surprising, interesting, and most certainly challenging. The
orchestra field has some unique challenges in terms of audience
development and these I have found the most difficult to address.
Additionally, working in a market with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
and many other good organizations makes for a very competitive
environment. I have really enjoyed working on the Sinfonietta’s
brand/positioning strategies as we vie for awareness.
What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
I took this job for two reasons. First, I believe in the Chicago
Sinfonietta’s diversity mission and admire its commitment to innovative
programming. Second, I wanted to see how my background and skills would
work in the orchestral field. Of course, I love the music and the sound
of the orchestra, but don’t particularly like many of the customs of
the field.
What were your first steps when starting your working career?
I began as a performer and music teacher. I evolved into a management
role and have experienced success in those endeavors. I wouldn't do
anything differently, though I suspect that my path would be impossible
to duplicate today.
What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
You need to feel fulfilled and self-actualized by being a part of the
arts. Few make very much money, there is a fair amount of stress, and
sometimes the work is extremely long and hard. Having said that, there
are few things more satisfying than being a part of a team that brings
something sublime to the world. If you don’t love that, don’t do this.
Lisa McDaniel
Director of Volunteer Programs and Donor Events
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago, Illinois
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Years in current position: 9
Years in the field: 12
Majors:
Undergraduate: Communication Management, minors in Psychology and Business Management
Graduate: Arts, Entertainment and Media Management
Career Path:
Development Intern, Goodman Theatre
Development Assistant, Goodman Theatre
Volunteer Project Manager, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Every day is different when working with volunteers. Some days are
very motivational and some are very challenging, but each day brings a
different set of tasks and objectives. For people who thrive in a
fast-paced environment, partnering and working with volunteers would be
a good job.
What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
I am inspired by working for an arts organization, regardless of
whether it is an orchestra. Creative expression is a valuable tool and
I feel very proud to be able to work for an organization that gives
back so much to the community.
What steps did you take toward a career in the arts?
Two internships during college with the same summer theater
company. My first internship was working with the Operations Director
and my second internship was working with the Executive Director.
Having such exposure early on really helped solidify my desire to work
in the arts. Once I started graduate school, I took a part-time job in
the arts, just to learn more and be exposed to more people in the field.
What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Internships are really the best way to gain experience and exposure
to the industry; doors will be opened to you that wouldn’t otherwise.
Any other advice?
The best advice someone gave me is this: The job that you retire
from may not exist yet, so be creative in thinking about what you are
interested in doing—perhaps you will find one day that you are able to
design your own dream job!
Meredith Petrov
Project Associate
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago, Illinois
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Years in current position: 3
Years in the field: 3
Majors:
B.A. Fine Arts
Career Path:
Administrative Assistant, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Project Associate, Chicago Symphony Orchestra