Operations NY

Richard Decker

Vice President and General Manager
Syracuse Symphony Orchestra
Syracuse, New York
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Years in current position: 18
Years in the field: 33

Majors:
B.M. Applied Music-Horn Performance 
M.M. Applied Music-Horn Performance

Additional Training:
Associate degree in computer technology

Career Path:
Hornist, Syracuse Symphony Orchestra 1975-1990  (at various times during this period also served as Assistant Librarian, Assistant Stage Manager, Temporary Grant Writer/Education Assistant) 
General Manager, Syracuse Symphony, 1990-present

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Challenging: More work than time available; doing more with less; predicting audience interest in programs. Interesting: Working with guest artists/conductors; exploring new music and concert experiences.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
It was a logical progression from conservatory trained musician to orchestra musician to a shift into a management role with same orchestra when the opportunity presented itself.

Would you do anything differently?
I probably would have made the transition to management sooner.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Every experience has value, even if the experience is a negative one. You must acquire comprehensive knowledge of field in order to be effective.

Any other advice?
The rewards can be great; the work can be long and consuming.

Patricia Kleinfelder

Managing Director
Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra
Orchard Park, New York
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Years in current position: 1
Years in the field: 1

Career Path:
Manager, Chamber of Commerce
Scuba Diving Instructor
Legal Secretary
Personal Trainer and owner of a fitness facility 
(Not your usual career path!)

What are the most surprising, interesting or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work?
Keeping the volunteers happy and motivated; and keeping all the puzzle pieces in one place.

What inspired you to work for an orchestra?
Deep respect and admiration for the conductor and the organization inspired me to apply when the position of managing director was created.

Would you do anything differently?
Research, research, research. If I were to start over, I would do the same thing, but would do more research re: marketing and business law.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the orchestra field?
Always keep your sense of humor and your perspective. Nothing is ever as bad as it first seems.