About the TSO
Vision Statement
Our vision is to be a cultural model for the region, exciting a diverse and growing audience through artistic excellence, strong leadership and sustainable operations.Mission Statement
We are a regional professional orchestra serving northern Michigan, creating educational opportunities and community enrichment through excellence in symphonic and other musical experiences.Core Values
- We have a Passion for symphonic music and music education, and for harnessing its power as a positive social force.
- We have a Commitment to making it possible for professional musicians to live, perform and teach in our community; and to optimizing the orchestra's role in regional quality of life.
- Integrity is the means by which we conduct our business, and is the substance of all our dealings with customers, volunteers, vendors and employees.
- The Pursuit of Excellence guides our every step, every day, in every endeavor.
- We seek to Embrace Growth, so that the way we do things tomorrow will be better than the way we do things today.
- We seek to Empower of our Board, our volunteers, our staff and, most importantly, our musicians, to be the best they can be.
- We strive to be Accountable to our stakeholders, as faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
History of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra
The Traverse Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is emerging as Northwestern Lower Michigan's leading regional orchestra. In 2001-2002 the TSO welcomed new music director Kevin Rhodes, whose presence has resulted in heightened regional visibility, critical acclaim and sold-out concerts. The orchestra's subscription season, from September to April, consists of eight concert cycles - six classical symphonic programs, and two pops programs. Performances feature quality guest artists from the national and international circuit. Recent guests include violinist Frank Almond, tenor Eric Ashcraft, cellist Elizabeth Bert, soprano Ollie Watts Davis, mezzo-soprano Stacy Eckert, pianist Ralph Votapek and trumpeter Doc Severinsen.Founded 53 years ago by Traverse City violinist Elnora Milliken as a community amateur ensemble, the TSO has evolved into a regional professional (part-time) orchestra, with a core base of quality musicians from throughout the area. Many hold music-related positions as faculty and staff members of nearby Interlochen Arts Academy. An increasing number of musicians travel from as far as Lansing, Grand Rapids and the tri-city area to perform with the TSO.
The TSO consists of a full-time professional staff of four and a part-time staff of four; a music director and 60-plus contracted core musicians. A 23-member Board of Directors and the 185-member Traverse Symphony Orchestra Associates together comprise a committed group of volunteers who provide ongoing support for the organization. The TSO is a non-profit corporation supported through ticket sales, donations, corporate and state gifts and grants.
Throughout its history, the TSO has shared facilities, instruments and equipment, as well as human and physical resources, with the Traverse City Area Public Schools. TSO's Music in the Schools program provides youth with opportunities to hear live orchestral music, meet musicians personally and receive specialized instruction on their instruments. The Saturday Family Symphony series provides children aged four to nine with their first encounter with orchestral music and instruments. In addition, the TSO has developed three ensembles for young musicians of varying age groups under the auspices of the Traverse Youth Orchestras: the Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Orchestra, and the Serenade Strings.
Currently performing in three local venues, the TSO appears at Interlochen's Corson Auditorium, the City Opera House, and at Lars Hockstad Auditorium, part of the Traverse City Area Public Schools. Long an important regional resource, the TSO is in a period of strategic growth to better serve the changing needs of the area. Its education and outreach programs serve ages 4 to 20, as well as adults, and its musicians teach and perform in a wide range of venues and settings throughout the region. The TSO believes that the presence of qualified resident musicians is important to building a creative vital community workforce, and the organization is committed to providing the opportunity for artists to live, work and practice in this region.
The TSO is a leader of a growing performing arts community in an area known for its great scenic beauty and strong commitment to the arts. This commitment is reflected in its mission: To be a regional professional orchestra serving northern Michigan, creating educational opportunities and community enrichment through excellence in symphonic and other musical experiences.
