The TSO’s organizational values are founded
on two tenets. First, that live
orchestral music is vital, compelling, and essential to community quality of
life. Second, that it is not enough to simply
present concerts; we have an imperative to reach across demographic
barriers to attract and engage people, young and old, using both performance
and education.
This is typified by Music Director Harvey Felder’s
personal, warm approach from the podium and by the relaxed, informal ethos of
our concerts. Beloved
for his approachable stage personality, Maestro Felder talks to the audience at
each performance, explaining the music and what to listen for. Our musicians smile and acknowledge the
audience, and have many fans and personal friends among patrons. The TSO provides regional audiences with a
“user-friendly” opportunity to hear great live orchestral music in the heart of
downtown Tacoma without traveling to Seattle, Portland
or further afield.
Mission Statement
To inspire, educate and enrich our community through live symphonic music.
Vision Statement
The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra changes lives through music’s extraordinary power to communicate. We capture the imagination of the community with high quality performances where the combined energy of the orchestra and audience creates magic. We foster effective education programs and meaningful community partnerships that bring diverse people together. We are thereby recognized as an artistic leader and a vital resource. The community supports our patron-friendly, fiscally-sound organization by purchasing tickets regularly and donating generously.
Values Statement
As we pursue our
Vision, the following Values will remain central to us:
PERFORMANCE. The TSO upholds high artistic and professional
standards with continuous, measurable improvement. We present performances that are unique,
informative and appealing, that engage the audience and performers, and that
provide a magical experience for both.
EDUCATION/OUTREACH.
The TSO provides opportunities for diverse audiences to experience the
art form in a relevant, entertaining, and approachable way, making the art form
engaging to existing audiences and available to those who would otherwise not
have the opportunity to experience it.
STEWARDSHIP. The TSO
is a responsible steward of symphonic music in order to keep it available to
the community in all its forms. We
utilize the financial resources entrusted to us with wisdom, maintaining sound
financial practices and a culture of transparency. We engage our financial partners and are
responsive to their creative ideas. We
manage our human resources , both paid and volunteer, with integrity and care.
PEOPLE. The TSO is a
"people" organization at heart and thrives on customer service, board
member dedication and loyalty, and patron enthusiasm and support. We treat and compensate our musicians and
staff as the professionals they are. We
are respectful of the time, talents and ideas of our Board members and other
volunteers.
COMMUNITY. The TSO is
a collaborative, respectful organization and promotes an atmosphere of service
to our community. We work in partnership
with the larger arts sector and beyond to address local needs. We seek innovative ways to make the TSO a
nimble resource for the community.