Another year, come and gone! I felt overall it was a good one filled with many blessings, as well as a few challenges. But unlike a typical post about 2025 it wasn’t filled with unique experiences. Rather, it was filled with the majority of my days being, well, every-day; as well as a few noticeable changes in my routine and life. Business as usual with a few highlights.

The greatest number of highlights of course come from my time with the Greater North Texas Youth Orchestra. I finished my second year as director of the Symphony Orchestra, and I’ve absolutely loved working with the dedicated students and individuals who help our organization run. It’s fascinating to work with a group that is constantly changing and improving in so many ways. From a management standpoint we try new things, and tighten our processes as we become more familiar with them after working together as the same team for a few years. From a musical standpoint we program repertoire that challenges our students differently than before. We also invest in our students, watch them move through our ensembles, and bring in new students—all through our fall and spring auditions. Most notably I’ve enjoyed conducting Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, and finishing my own piece Sunseeker. This year I also played a backseat role at our Summer Music Intensives this year, assisting the youngest orchestra in their concert preparation and development. It was fun to work with a new group in a new way, and to do it in tandem with a wonderful colleague.

I’ve also done some good work with the McKinney Philharmonic. I had to let go of their Librarian position at the end of the season in May and just focus on the Ticketing Director position. I also helped Jason, our Artistic Director, present his case for more funding from the city’s arts commission.

On a completely different note, I also began a new job at Shutterfly. Some non-music work can be good for you, and open your mind to new possibilities both in and out of music. It’s the reason I went for my PMP certification, and perhaps why some musicians worked non-music jobs outside their craft (i.e. Borodin or Ives). It’s not as uncommon as one might think.

I think it’s interesting to see the parallels between music and working a normal job. Both require you to work well with others, to hire the right people, and that leaders in both kinds of organizations balance individual needs of their employees with needs of the organization. I also think it’s interesting seeing how they are different. An orchestra is far more transparent than a corporation (from the orchestra’s perspective; actual orchestra admin is pretty similar), and their leadership methods are a little different.

I’ve taken these lessons from conducting and ensemble leadership into corporate, and corporate has taught me a few things as well that have been useful in my music. Now that was something I didn’t expect! It has been a pretty unique perspective, to say the least.

On to the new year! GNTYO is heading in the right direction, which opens up more possibilities of what we can do together. I am also looking forward to growing both in my arts administrative and corporate roles. And of course, more music making and time with family. Here’s to a brighter 2026!