Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
The past month and a half since my last blog entry have gone by in the blink of an eye. What’s new with me you ask? The answer…just about EVERYTHING! Over the past several weeks, I have managed to take a vacation, start a new job, move into a new place, adjust to a “normal” life schedule and oh yeah, get engaged!
Friday the 12th actually marks my one-month anniversary as the Director of Corporate Support & Special Projects with the Pittsburgh Symphony. I knew, taking the position, that the first few months would be no joy ride down easy street (cliché overuse, I know). During the morning, day, and into the first part of the evening, I spend my life at Heinz Hall maintaining and cultivating our corporate partnerships through, in part, the Corporate Annual Fund and Sponsorships. What does this mean? Each and every year, about 50% of our revenue is generated from contributions by individuals, corporations, foundations, and the government (that’s right, ticket sales don’t cover nearly as much as you might think). Contributors to our Corporate Annual Fund give tax-deductible financial support on an annual basis and in return, receive specific benefits and the satisfaction that they are giving back to the community in which they do business. Sponsorships are more straightforward where for a set amount of money, a corporation receives public exposure and recognition through the PSO. This is a particularly challenging time because our 2.5 man/woman corporate team is currently being run by yours truly as a solo act until we can restaff in September (to apply look here). On top of this, the Symphony’s fiscal year ends on August 31 so the workload is particularly heavy. Talk about getting tempered by the flames eh?
In addition to maintaining corporate partnerships, I also manage a set of Special Projects, as outlined by PSO President and my professional mentor, Larry Tamburri. This is especially exciting work because it keeps my mind on the forefront of the orchestra industry. In a way, it is a continuation of some of the best parts of the Fellowship program.
What you just read is a summary of my day job. In the evenings, I get to work helping my new fiancée plan a long-distance wedding for around 300 family and friends. Those of you that have been through this process know that this, too, is no cakewalk.
Although my life may seem pretty busy right now, I love every moment of it. I get to spend my days and nights working on two of my greatest passions in a beautiful new city.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the 2006 Fellows have their very own collective blog up and running. You can "Follow the Fellows" on http://2006fellows.blogspot.com. Great work guys!
Friday the 12th actually marks my one-month anniversary as the Director of Corporate Support & Special Projects with the Pittsburgh Symphony. I knew, taking the position, that the first few months would be no joy ride down easy street (cliché overuse, I know). During the morning, day, and into the first part of the evening, I spend my life at Heinz Hall maintaining and cultivating our corporate partnerships through, in part, the Corporate Annual Fund and Sponsorships. What does this mean? Each and every year, about 50% of our revenue is generated from contributions by individuals, corporations, foundations, and the government (that’s right, ticket sales don’t cover nearly as much as you might think). Contributors to our Corporate Annual Fund give tax-deductible financial support on an annual basis and in return, receive specific benefits and the satisfaction that they are giving back to the community in which they do business. Sponsorships are more straightforward where for a set amount of money, a corporation receives public exposure and recognition through the PSO. This is a particularly challenging time because our 2.5 man/woman corporate team is currently being run by yours truly as a solo act until we can restaff in September (to apply look here). On top of this, the Symphony’s fiscal year ends on August 31 so the workload is particularly heavy. Talk about getting tempered by the flames eh?
In addition to maintaining corporate partnerships, I also manage a set of Special Projects, as outlined by PSO President and my professional mentor, Larry Tamburri. This is especially exciting work because it keeps my mind on the forefront of the orchestra industry. In a way, it is a continuation of some of the best parts of the Fellowship program.
What you just read is a summary of my day job. In the evenings, I get to work helping my new fiancée plan a long-distance wedding for around 300 family and friends. Those of you that have been through this process know that this, too, is no cakewalk.
Although my life may seem pretty busy right now, I love every moment of it. I get to spend my days and nights working on two of my greatest passions in a beautiful new city.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the 2006 Fellows have their very own collective blog up and running. You can "Follow the Fellows" on http://2006fellows.blogspot.com. Great work guys!
