Jim Black, Executive Director of The San Luis Obispo Symphony, has announced his desire to step down from his position to focus on family commitments and responsibilities. In 2011, Black assumed the role of executive director to help transition the organization to new leadership after the exit of his predecessor, Brian Hermanson. Black was a member of the Board of Directors for many years and served as president for the 2006/2007 season before stepping into the Executive Director position. Black will continue at his post until his replacement is found.
“It has been a great pleasure to work with our wonderful community supporters, our talented orchestra, and the hard working staff and Board”, says Black. “They are an exceptional group of people who have contributed immeasurably to our thriving musical community. I remain a strong supporter of the Symphony and deeply believe in its mission to enrich our community life through outstanding symphonic performances and county-wide music education programs.”
During his time as Executive Director, Black guided the Symphony through its full season each year of five Classics in the Cohan concerts, three Youth Symphony concerts, and three Chamber Music concerts. In addition, Black administered the successful completion of three Symphony recording projects, a New Year’s Eve concert and special guest concert with the Irish Tenors, two children and family concerts, the highly acclaimed California Missions Tour, the launch of the Summer String Workshop and the Youth Symphony tour to Carnegie Hall and Chicago.
As chair of the Music Education Committee, Black initiated Everyday Etudes, a highly acclaimed program that offers classroom teachers the tools to engage elementary aged students in music appreciation and became a focal point for all of the Symphony’s music education programs. Black was also instrumental in the successful merger of the Youth Symphony with the San Luis Obispo Symphony. Black leaves this position with plans in place to honor Maestro Michael Nowak’s 30th Anniversary as conductor and the 50th Anniversary of the Youth Symphony, both of which will be celebrated during the 2013-2014 season.
Symphony Board President India D’Avignon extends her appreciation to Black, “Under Jim’s leadership we have expanded our education programs, commissioned and recorded several new works and collaborated on a regular basis with several other arts organizations in the community. It has been an enriching time for the Symphony and the community, and I am very pleased that he will remain involved with the organization in the years to come.”
The Symphony Board of Directors plans to launch a nationwide search for a new Executive Director immediately, with the goal of having a new director in place by December 2013. For more information about the San Luis Obispo Symphony, visit the website here.