Auburn Symphony executive director expresses thanks, says good-bye

Dear Auburn Symphony family, It has been a joy and an honor to work with the Auburn Symphony for the past 10 years. I have developed so many fulfilling relationships with musicians, donors, community partners and staff along this journey. I am forever grateful to past board member and Board Chair Stephanie Snyder for guiding and supporting me and the Auburn Symphony through the pandemic and safely on a new path that has brought us to the artistic accomplishment and financial stability we enjoy today. Bringing the vastly talented Ryan Murray into our organization has been a highlight, and he is continually raising the bar year after year in our programming and performances. Chase Spruill leads the orchestra with professionalism and a huge heart, and sets the tone for the entire orchestra. Jennifer Sanders adds a gentle and steady presence, keeping it all together, in the center of the wheel. I am so grateful to Michael Kirby for his artistic eye, to Ash, the most cheerful and artsy social media gal around town, and Sandra Reeves and Carol Guild for their mellifluous pens. The staff and board, musicians and artists, partners and vendors, and our long list of volunteers are the lifeblood of all we do and are such a hardworking, fun-loving group of dedicated people. Thanks forever to my pals at the Placer Artists Tour and Placer Land Trust for all we have brought to life. I am grateful beyond measure for all I have learned, the music that has been a balm for my soul and the camaraderie and friendships that have warmed my heart. I have learned so much from our donors, and the practice of gratitude is something I will pay forward as I move into the next phase of my life here in Auburn. Thank you for showing me the way, for giving me grace and support, and for the kindness and recognition I have received from so many of you. Last, but never least, I thank my husband Greg for being by my side through thick and thin, and for always answering the call to help move equipment, load and unload trucks, and show up with a smile on his face at symphony events to help in any way he's asked. Cheers to all of you for being such blessings in my life. Please join me in supporting the board of directors and the new staff during this transition time as we head into the symphony's 38th season. Positive changes are being made with a dedicated focus on meeting the needs of the organization in the years to come. My last day as executive director will be July 31. I will continue supporting the staff beyond this date, as needed, to help ensure a smooth transition. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jennifer Sanders in the office, and make time to stop by and meet our new operations manager, Conner Fallon. You will enjoy getting to know him as he settles into the area and learns all the charms of Auburn! May the magic of live music continue to sustain all of us in this community, and may the Auburn Symphony continue to grow and thrive in its next chapter. Salut!