Vice President of Orchestra and Building Operations and General Manager
Nashville Symphony
Nashville, Tennessee
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Years in current position: 6
Years in the field: 9
Majors:
B.S. Music Business
M.B.A. Arts Administration
Ed.D. Administration (not complete)
Additional Training:
Topic-specific training available through the League of American
Orchestras, such as conflict resolution/negotiations, production
courses, etc. I’ve also taken general training in management,
modification of employee behavior and the like.
Career Path:
Director of Admissions, Music Conservatory at Oklahoma City University
Director of the Performing Arts Academy at Oklahoma City University
Operations Manager, Nashville Symphony
Director of Operations, Nashville Symphony
General Manager, Nashville Symphony
What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
My job is all about dealing with people—helping them to know and
understand their jobs; to provide them with the tools, information, and
resources they need to be successful in their jobs; and to assist in
resolving conflict.
What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
Great music!
What was your first step toward an orchestra career?
I took a chance and accepted a job that didn’t quite pay the bills. It
was a gamble, but I worked hard and it has paid off. I also found a
great mentor in my boss, Alan Valentine.
What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Get a good, well-rounded education. In a smaller institution you will
be required to wear many hats. Seek out education and opportunities
that gives you a wide range of experiences early in your career.
Any other advice?
Do what you love. Figure out what you are passionate for and follow
that career path. Being happy in what you do day-to-day is far more
rewarding that a high-paying job that you might hate.
Chief Building Engineer
Nashville Symphony
Nashville, Tennessee
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Time in current position: 6 months
Years in the field: 11
Training:
Trade and technical school
Electrical apprenticeship
Tool and Die apprenticeship
HVAC trade school in the U.S. Air Force
Career Path:
Maintenance Engineer, Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Body Assembly Engineer, Nissan Motor Manufacturing Company
What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
The ever-changing needs of the building.
What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
The beauty of our new building.
What were your first steps toward your career?
Skill training through apprenticeships and trade classes, but the bulk
of the necessary work skills comes from on-the-job training.
Would you have done anything differently?
Today a degree is necessary in most management positions. I would have
first obtained a degree in construction management and because you
cannot learn hands-on skills in college, I would then go through an
established electrical apprenticeship program to actually learn the
trade.