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    March 16, 2023

    Le Moyne to Launch the Nation’s First Orchestra Management Certificate This Summer

    In the first program of its kind in the nation, Le Moyne will offer a fully-online advanced certificate in orchestra management beginning in the summer of 2023. The 15-credit program will introduce post-baccalaureate students to the many facets of managing orchestras in the 21st century, including coursework in financial management, fundraising, organizational governance, marketing, leadership and human resources.

    “This online certificate is a game-changer for the orchestra field, especially as many orchestras are working to become more relevant to their communities and eradicate exclusionary practices,” said Travis Newton, chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Program at Le Moyne and the author of Orchestra Management Handbook, published in early 2022 by Oxford University Press. “The future of orchestras is bright, and we are so excited to work with the next generation of orchestra leaders through this certificate, which will encourage future managers to center communities in their daily work.” Newton will be among the faculty teaching in the program.

    As a Jesuit institution focused on social justice, Le Moyne College is a well-positioned home for this certificate, which will consider diversity, equity, inclusion and access as integral components of successful orchestra management practice.

    Sonja Thoms, vice president and general manager of the Nashville Symphony and founder of Orchestra Careers, will also teach in the program. “Through my work with emerging professionals, I’ve learned that there is a need in the industry for a program like this,” said Thoms. “This certificate’s curriculum design strikes an important balance between theory and practice, and it is built for those who want to understand not only how orchestras work, but why their work in communities is so important.”

    “We’re thrilled to add this new online certificate to our suite of offerings,” said Benny Simon, director of arts administration at Le Moyne. “From small ensembles to larger orchestras, nearly every city or town hosts a not-for-profit music performance organization, and our goal for this certificate is to be a resource to communities far and wide.”

    Although the certificate will be fully-online, cohort members will have the option to connect with each other, faculty members, and hundreds of orchestra professionals by attending the annual conference of the League of American Orchestras, beginning in June 2023 at the league’s conference in Pittsburgh. Students may apply to Le Moyne College’s “Friends of the Arts” fund to help cover travel expenses to the conference and other professional development opportunities.

    Additionally, the College will offer a limited number of competitive scholarship awards to students who are accepted into the program. "Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the College is pleased to award up to 10, $1,000 awards to deserving applicants,” said Newton. “We are confident these funds will help in our mission to educate the next generation of orchestra managers." 

    Learn more about specific course work and other details of the program at this link. Those looking for additional information or with specific questions can email [email protected]

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