We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Blake Sharette a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Blake, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

It would be impossible to choose just one meaningful project that we’ve done as an orchestra. Ever since we started in February of last year, every recording, concert, or event we’ve performed was decided on for the reason of creating meaningful experiences for our audience; that has always been our only goal. Our mission is to bring love and light to the world around us through music, and that’s it. It would be really nice if there was a way that we could all financially benefit from this group as well, but it’s really difficult to get to that point. There’s 50 people in our group, so in order for everyone to get paid a measly $100, we’d have to make $5,000 from an event. After venue cost, our expenses, ect. it’s nearly impossible for a group like us right now, with little renown. But we know that if we focus on what’s most important right now, which is our mission to bring beautiful music to our community, everything else will fall into place. We focus on being a meaningful asset to our community first, and everything will work out.

Blake, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been creating performing groups for a few years, but mostly smaller ensembles or cover bands to play for weddings or events. I’ve always wanted to start a full symphony. My degree is in music composition, so I’ve always dreamed about having my own group like so many of the famous composers did in the centuries past. However, I didn’t want it to be the “Blake Sharette Orchestra”. I wanted everyone in this group to feel like they were a vital part of it. I wanted everyone to have a voice, and I think we’ve accomplished that; everyone’s input is listened to and everyone is encourage to make their voice heard. Everything from music selection, to concert themes, to how the group is organized and run. We take polls and vote for things often. I think it’s probably the most democratic orchestra out there, and that’s what makes us unique and unlike any other community symphony.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

If you were to ask me what I think is the resource that has helped us the most in the last year of our orchestra’s existence, I would say that it’s simply asking people for help. If you want to build something great, something lasting and something that makes a difference in the world, you can’t do it alone. It really does take a village. I always thought I had to do things alone, because they were MY dreams or MY goals. People WANT to help, they want to get onboard and be part of something. Let them help! Starting out, I did everything for the orchestra – I was the music director, marketing director, graphic design artist, audio engineer, camera operator, social media manager, I even always brought the snacks to rehearsal. I wanted this orchestra to succeed and thrive, and it takes A LOT to get it there. It wasn’t until I started asking for help that everything changed. Now, everyone in the group is assigned to a committee and has a committee position. Not only has it taken tons of weight off my shoulders, everyone in the group is able to use their own special talents, skills, and abilities to bring the group to new heights. They also feel like they’re part of something meaningful and have the opportunity to make a difference. Multiple minds are always, always better than one.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

On the other side of that coin, I’ve had to learn that there is a balance between being democratic/making sure everyone has a voice, and being a leader. While people want to be seen and heard and have their opinions taken into account, they also want to be led. If a leader doesn’t take enough responsibility and make executive decisions, the members of the group may feel confused, unsure, unstable, and ultimately annoyed that there isn’t strong enough management and direction of the organization. I’ve had to learn this multiple times, and I’m grateful for the performers in my groups who have reminded me not to be afraid to make decisions, and to be firm and steadfast in those decisions. There were times when I was too relaxed or too lackadaisical about important decisions that must be made, and the group suffered from that. If you’re a leader, you need to learn the balance of being a good listener to those you are leading and taking their thoughts and concerns into account, while also being confident, sure, and firm in the decisions that you make for the group.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deseretsymphony.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deseret_symphony/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deseretsymphony
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeseretSymphony