Admin WI

Marie Breed

Executive Director
Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras
Madison, Wisconsin
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Years in current position: 4
Years in the field: 4

Majors:
Bachelor of Music
Master of Music Education
Master of Music Performance (conducting)
Master of Business Administration

Additional Training:
Occassional seminars in management and human resources

Career Path:
Ten years as a public school music teacher (K-12), Unionville-Sebewaing (MI) area schools, St. Johns (MI) public schools, Muskego-Norway (WI) public schools   University-level teaching–band, music appreciation, conducting, music theory (Michigan State)

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
The most challenging aspect, and surprisingly time consuming, is dealing with personnel management issues.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
My own orchestral performance. My success in the administrative aspects of teaching and leading programs.

Would you do anything differently?
I began teaching instrumental music to grades 5-12 in a small rural district. I would not change that, as the knowledge of how to work with students, parents and families, as well as the daily happenings of music education, is critical to my current position.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Do not aspire to the top immediately. Take the time to learn in a grassroots way, whether it be through teaching, as I did, or through working in various entry and mid-level aspects of a position. Rather then start as an executive director of a small organization, try to gain practical experience in multiple areas of the industry with a smaller organization(s).

Any other advice?
Be patient. There is a learning curve and it doesn’t happen overnight. Ask yourself why you want to be in this industry. If the main answers center around yourself, find a new field.

Keith Hampton

Executive Director
Racine Symphony Orchestra
Racine, Wisconsin
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Time in current position: 6 months
Years in the field: 10

Majors:
Undergraduate: Voice performance, French
Graduate: Psychology

Career Path:
Assistant to the Director, Music Division, The Boston Conservatory
Music Department Staff Assistant, Harvard University
Business Manager, The Boston Secession
Senior Finance and Administration Assistant, MIT Office of the Arts
Executive Director, River Arts, Inc.
Founder, Brave Records

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Management of board committee meetings and activities; new developments in fundraising trends; outreach ideas and grantwriting.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
My first musical training was on viola, and I have always enjoyed being part of an ensemble.

What would you have done differently?
I would like to have attended more local and student performances, and I’ve made this a goal in my current position.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Take advantage of all the professional organizations that exist, for networking and training opportunities that you won’t be able to use unless you show up.

Any other advice?
Keep an open mind! Audiences, communities, and music are ever-changing. It helps to be flexible and stay focused on the mission of your organization.