We were lucky to catch up with Lucy Ginther recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lucy, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?
Educational outreach and supporting development of everyone connected to the organization are important aspects of the mission of the Mason Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra was a startup and had only performed one concert when I met Laura Reyes in January of 2022 at the International Conductor’s Guild conference in Cincinnati. Laura was a bright grad student who was long on talent and drive, but short on experience. Laura enthusiastically agreed to help me out with some administrative tasks in exchange for time honing her conducting skills in front of the good orchestra I had put together. It was terrific partnership. I am happy to say that Laura is no longer with us because two years later, she is too busy with a budding professional conducting career. Sad for me because I miss the partnership, camaraderie and discussions. But I am very happy for this talented young professional who we were able to give a leg up in the music world.
Lucy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Introducing the Mason Symphony Orchestra: A Tapestry of Musical Excellence
The Mason Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a vibrant ensemble which is in its third year of enriching the lives of music enthusiasts. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing exceptional musical experiences for our community, fostering a passion for orchestral music, and nurturing the talents of aspiring musicians.
Our journey began in 2021, when a group of dedicated musicians came together with a shared vision to create an orchestra to once again make music together after being isolated from each other by covid, and share this beautiful music again with audiences. From those humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving ensemble, a cultural asset for Mason, comprised of talented professional musicians from diverse backgrounds.
At the MSO, we believe that music has the power to transcend boundaries, connect hearts, and inspire minds. Our repertoire encompasses a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and popular classics, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. We are dedicated to presenting music which spotlights and celebrates the cultural diversity of Mason.
We are committed to providing a platform for aspiring musicians to showcase their talents. Our Scholarship Competition provides a unique opportunity for young prodigies to perform alongside seasoned professionals, fostering their growth and development as musicians.
We take pride in our commitment to community engagement. Collaboration with local schools and organizations is part of our mission, bringing the joy of music to a wider audience.
What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to excellence. We strive to deliver performances that are not only technically proficient but also emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression on our audience.
We are immensely proud of the impact we have made on our community. In the short time of our existence, we have witnessed individuals develop a deep appreciation for orchestral music, and we have seen young musicians blossom into accomplished performers.
To our potential audience, we invite you to embark on a musical journey with us. Experience the transformative power of music, let the melodies and rhythms transport you to new realms, and discover the joy of orchestral music.
Join us as we continue to enrich the cultural landscape of Mason, one harmonious note at a time.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Two books that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy are “Purple Cow” by Seth Godin and “From Start-Up to Grown-Up” by Alisa Cohn.
Purple Cow by Seth Godin challenged my thinking about marketing and product development. Godin’s central argument is that in a world saturated with advertising and average products, businesses need to create something truly remarkable – a “purple cow” – to stand out and capture attention. This book shifted my focus from simply creating good products to creating products that are innovative, unique, and worth talking about. Each concert needs a purple cow.
From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn provided me with a practical roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities of scaling a business. Cohn’s insights into leadership, team building, and organizational culture have been invaluable in my journey as an entrepreneur. This book helped me understand the importance of building a strong foundation for growth, creating a culture of accountability, and developing effective leadership skills.
These two books have fundamentally shaped my approach to management and entrepreneurship. They have instilled in me the importance of innovation, differentiation, and building a resilient organization that can adapt to the ever-changing non-profit landscape.
Here are some key takeaways from these books that have influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking:
Focus on creating remarkable products and experiences that are worth talking about.
Don’t be afraid to challenge conventional thinking and break the mold.
Build a strong team culture that values transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
Invest in developing my leadership skills and empower my team to make decisions.
Embrace change and be prepared to adapt strategies as the organization grows.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
40 years of working as a professional musician in the Ohio arts community.
Contact Info:
- Website: masonsymphonyorchestra.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/masonsymphonyorchestraohio?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075927248144&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: lucy ginther
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@masonsymphonyorchestra?si=T76Yq87ntykGX_Bf
Image Credits
Dylan Firlie Mark Lyons