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Cybele Grimes

Executive Director
Rogue Valley Symphony
Ashland, Oregon
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Years in current position: 1.5
Years in the field: 5

Majors:
Music, minor in art

Additional Training:
Non-profit Management certification

Career Path:
Project Managment, Amdahl Corporation
Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra: Box Office Manager, Publicity Manager and Advertising Director, Development Associate

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
The most surprising aspect of my position has been the opportunity to meet some of the most interesting people, including soloists, musicians and patrons. The biggest challenges have been bringing the three arms of the organization—board, orchestra, and office—into a place of mutual understanding and cooperation, working toward our long-range goals together.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
Music, and especially classical music, has always played a significant role in my life. After graduating from school I realized that I wanted to work in the non-profit sector and the orchestra seemed like a good fit.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Consider carefully all aspects of working in the non-profit business climate as opposed to the for-profit climate.

Paul Winberg

Executive Director
Eugene Symphony Association
Eugene, Oregon
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Years in current position: 4.5
Years in the field: 10

Majors:
Bachelor’s in Music and Theatre; primary instrument, piano
Master’s in Public Administration

Additional Training:
Numerous League of American Orchestras training programs and seminars
Currently participating in the League’s new Executive Leadership Program

Career Path:
Operations Intern, Grant Park Music Festival
Operations and Education Director, Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra Manager and Artistic Administrator, Grant Park Music Festival
Development Director, Elgin Symphony Orchestra

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
The variety of personalities and varying needs of the Eugene Symphony’s constituent base—musicians, board members, staff, volunteers, and audience members. Understanding and addressing those needs constantly keeps the work engaging and satisfying.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
A passion for the music. I’ve been drawn to symphonic music since I was first introduced to it as a young person.

What were your first career steps?
Before working in the orchestra management field, I had experience in a variety of non-profit environments. I stumbled into the orchestra management field first as a volunteer and then as an intern.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Don’t be in a hurry to become the next great executive director. Learn as much as you can about the field and get hands-on experience in production/operations and fundraising. As an executive director, I draw upon that body of knowledge and skills everyday.