Admin IA

Jeff vom Saal

Executive Director
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa
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Years in current position: 1
Years in the field: 5

Majors:
Trumpet Performance

Additional Training:
Institute for Executive Director Leadership, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota

Career Path:
Executive Director, Metrowest Youth Symphony Orchestra, Framingham, Massachusetts
Executive Director, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Fargo, North Dakota

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Every day is different. Working with so many different groups of people. Spending lots of time getting to know people. Working on the “big picture” and really enjoying the strategy that goes along with running an organization.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
I’ve been involved with music from a very young age. It’s a very natural fit and I feel I’m able to make a difference.

What was the first step you took toward a career in orchestras?
Attending a career-services seminar at New England Conservatory.  If I could have, I would have taken more classes in management and finance during college. But I didn't know that this is what I would be doing.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Just get into it. Dive in, listen hard, and work harder. Opportunity is ample for those willing to invest themselves fully in what they want.

Any other advice?
It’s a wonderful field. It’s not always easy, but there are many moments that stick out as special for me as I reflect back on my career thus far.