We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Meholic recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Growing up, I was always passionate about art. My elementary school art teacher, Mrs. D’Amelio, was fabulous and played a significant role in nurturing my love for the arts. Alongside her, my mother, a talented self-taught artist and pianist, has also inspired and continues to inspire me deeply with her passion and creativity.

The very first creative career I wanted to pursue was to become a Walt Disney Imagineer. However, this dream was quickly eclipsed by my growing passion for music. At the age of 12, I began flute lessons with Betsy Hudson-Traba, the principal flutist of the Sarasota Orchestra, which forever changed my trajectory.

By high school, I was playing in concert band, marching band, and even circus band. I had achieved significant milestones in music: placing first multiple times in All-State, and playing principal in the Sarasota Orchestra’s Youth Philharmonic as well as winning their Young Artists Concerto Competition. I spent my summers at Interlochen Arts Camp, where I was immersed in music and the arts.

These experiences opened up all new possibilities for me. I dreamed of teaching flute lessons in my own home, imagining how I would decorate my little studio. I envisioned playing in an orchestra one day too. And I clung to the feeling of Interlochen; being in a community surrounded by the arts and other artists.

However, I never anticipated that I would one day manage an orchestra and play a pivotal role in connecting the arts within my own community. It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to the growth of the Alpharetta Symphony and the Alpharetta arts community. Collaborating with different artists and groups and witnessing our youth symphony’s development has been a remarkable journey.

Perhaps in the end, I did become an Imagineer.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey with the Alpharetta Symphony began in 2015 when I auditioned and became the Principal Flutist. A year later, I deepened my involvement by joining the board of directors, where I served as both Personnel Manager and President, immersing myself in the orchestra’s operations. In 2020, I was honored to be appointed as the first Executive Director, recognized for my dedication, leadership, and vision for the symphony.

Founded in 2014 and led by Dr. Grant Gilman, the Alpharetta Symphony performs multiple season concerts and additional chamber music performances, offering a diverse repertoire ranging from the Baroque era to contemporary compositions and popular music. As an arts leader in Alpharetta and beyond, the Symphony regularly collaborates with local arts organizations, fulfilling its mission to create inspiring orchestral performances that connect through the universal language of music. In 2018, we established the Alpharetta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), which performs four concerts each season, furthering our mission to provide engaging educational experiences for Alpharetta and greater North Fulton County.

At the Alpharetta Symphony, I am most proud of our unwavering commitment to community engagement and collaboration. We’ve created a space where local artists and organizations can come together, fostering a rich and supportive arts community that sets us apart. Watching the youth symphony grow and seeing young musicians flourish has been incredibly rewarding. Our innovative programs and performances have enriched Alpharetta’s cultural landscape, bringing people together and building a strong foundation for the arts in our community. Being part of this journey, from serving as Principal Flutist to leading as Executive Director, has been deeply fulfilling. I am proud of the positive impact we continue to make.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes, I love to read and listen to podcasts, and there are many resources that have helped me learn how to lead, manage money, and manage/grow a business.

Creativity: Some of the most inspiring books I’ve read about creativity are Srinivas Rao’s “Unmistakable” (also check out his podcast, “The Unmistakable Creative”) and Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art.”

Ideas/Initiative: “Choose Yourself” by James Altucher (also has a podcast) gave me the confidence to take the road less traveled. For motivation and ideas on where to begin, check out “START” by Jon Acuff.

Leadership: One of the best books on leadership I’ve read is Boyd Bailey’s “Learning to Lead Like Jesus.”

Vision: I loved Andy Stanley’s “Visioneering,” offers insights on developing and maintaining vision. Plus, I love the title. As well as his book, “Deep and Wide” which is more about the mechanics of running an effective organization.

Finance/Business: After a somewhat disastrous start with money graduating into “The Great Recession,” I bought Dave Ramsey’s “The Total Money Makeover,” and it changed my life forever. “Diary of a CEO” podcast by Steven Bartlett is also awesome.

Communication: Read Ian Morgan Cron’s books on the Enneagram to learn more about yourself and your team.

Personal Growth (just because these books are amazing): Nedra Glover Tawwab’s “Set Boundaries, Find Peace.” Also anything by Eckhart Tolle.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The best way to make an impact is to follow your passions and engage with organizations that align with those passions. There’s a common misconception that you need to be an artist or have an arts background to contribute to arts organizations. In reality, we need board members and volunteers with diverse skills and backgrounds—those who excel in finances, marketing, event organization, insurance, sales, and advocacy.

The City of Alpharetta, Fulton County Arts and Culture, and the Georgia Council for the Arts have been invaluable supporters of the Alpharetta Symphony, offering everything from funding and rehearsal space to making important connections. We are deeply appreciative of their support. Our gratitude also extends to our Corporate Partners, including our 2024-25 Season Sponsor, North Point Mall, for their continued backing. We look forward to collaborating with them on upcoming concerts this season.

Corporate partnerships are a fantastic way to align company missions with community programs. Many outstanding nonprofits are making a difference in our community, and these partnerships help shine a spotlight on their work.

Finally, to sustain our programs, we need adequate infrastructure—places where we can perform, rehearse, store instruments, hold summer camps, and continue our mission to connect our community through the magic of classical music.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alpharettasymphony.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpharettasymphony/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpharettasymphony/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-meholic-366309212/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alpharettasymphony

Image Credits

Alexandra Zak, Ümit Yüksel, Eric Burkard