Miranda holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music in Oboe Performance from the University of Kansas

The Bryan Symphony Orchestra Association, a nonprofit organization committed to engaging, educating, and enriching the community through the performance of live music, has named Susan Miranda as its new Executive Director of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra.

The announcement comes on the heels of “an extensive national search that drew a strong field of talent and experience locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

“I could not be more pleased with the work of the search committee,” said committee chair Mendy Richards of the work and focus of this committee of five members of the BSOA Board. “The deep commitment brought forth by this committee provided us with the opportunity to re-visit and reexamine the strengths and needs of the BSOA, and then to find the right person to help us further grow and develop the orchestra with an eye toward the future of the BSO. We firmly believe that Dr. Miranda is that person.”

According to a release by the BSDA, Diranda brings a strong background in:

  • leadership
  • arts advocacy
  • community engagement

“With a deep commitment to the cultural vitality of the Upper Cumberland region, she will oversee the orchestra’s strategic direction, operations, and continued growth while strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to symphonic music,” according to the release.

Miranda has more than a decade of experience in managing nonprofits.

“In addition to her experience in nonprofit leadership and a strong track record of success in grants writing, Dr. Miranda also brings to the BSOA extensive experience in the academic world, having spent a one-year appointment as Visiting assistant professor of Oboe at Oklahoma State University, and formerly as Adjunct professor of Oboe at Hamline University and Northwestern College in Iowa. She will continue to teach remotely at her studio at Dordt University,” according to the release

Sidonie Sansom, President of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra Association’s Board of Directors says the appointment is exciting.

“I’m thrilled that Dr. Miranda has accepted the position as the BSO’s new Executive Director! Her strong and varied background in the nonprofit sector, academia, business, and as an accomplished musician in her own right positions her perfectly to build upon the BSOA’s 62 successful years of bringing live orchestral music to the Upper Cumberlands. I know that she will lead the BSOA with passion for our past and a strong vision for our future!,” said Sidonie Sansom, President of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra Association’s Board of Directors.

Miranda’s passion is obvious, according to officials.

 “I am beyond excited to welcome Dr. Miranda to our incredible community, and I am deeply grateful to the exceptional applicants whose passion for music and the Bryan Symphony Orchestra made this search truly inspiring,” said Nicole McMasters.

A native of Indiana and raised in the Midwest, Miranda holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music in Oboe Performance from the University of Kansas.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Miranda to the Bryan Symphony Orchestra,” said Kosta Yepifantsev. “Her experience, vision, and passion for the arts will be key as we build on the orchestra’s legacy and look toward an exciting future.”

She remains active in national professional networks dedicated to strengthening the performing arts.

“I am beyond excited to work with and to work for the musicians and Board of Directors at the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. This organization is special in that it has a strong connection with Tennessee Tech, bolstering the educational component of the BSO. Blending my passion for quality musical experiences with my commitment to music education fulfills my personal mission. I am eager to hit the ground running, continue the symphony’s rich legacy, and build on the remarkable work of those who have come before me,” said Miranda. … I look forward to the many adventures living in the waterfall capital of the world will hold! I see many trips to the Smokies in our near future,” said Miranda.

To learn more about Dr. Susan Miranda, visit her website at www.susanmiranda.com.

Image by Kristin Weber Photography.

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