Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Trees.
Hi Carrie , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My own professional path has been shaped by years of experience in marketing, community engagement, financial management, and risk management. These skills gained through leadership roles in insurance, church administration, and nonprofit service. Along the way, I found deep fulfillment in connecting people to meaningful causes and building programs that strengthen communities.
My involvement with local organizations, including the Troy ISD School Board and the Troy Education Enhancement Foundation, deepened my understanding of how partnerships and public support can bring powerful ideas to life. Those experiences, combined with my passion for how nonprofits shape and support our communities, eventually led me to the Temple Symphony Orchestra last season.
Today, as Executive Director, I’m honored to carry forward the vision that began more than three decades ago for the TSO. My goal is to help the orchestra continue to thrive and expand its reach, support our musicians, and ensure that the joy of live music remains accessible to everyone in Central Texas.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has made me more grateful for where I am today. I think the most recent struggle on everyone’s mind is, of course, Covid. Overnight the world as we knew it was upside down. Coming through that experience taught me that the arts and nonprofits in our community aren’t just a luxury, they are a lifeline for many. They connect us when the world feels uncertain. How do we keep that connection alive within our community? That’s a question I ask myself frequently.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I like to think of myself as a “jack of all trades.” In a small organization like the TSO, where staff, volunteers, and board members all wear many hats, flexibility is essential. I’ve had the opportunity to dive into a little bit of everything over my professional journey, and I thrive in that environment.
On any given day, I’m managing advertising and marketing campaigns, designing graphics, maintaining and updating our website, writing grants, submitting grant use reports to various platforms, overseeing finances, coordinating schedules and events, meeting with community members, and running social media. I also draw on my experience in my roles with nonprofits, boards, and community groups to strengthen partnerships, engage donors, and support our team.
I’m proud of the way I have stepped into this multifaceted role and strengthened the forward momentum of this organization in such a short time. I aim to make the work of the orchestra seamless and impactful for our community.
What sets me apart is I understand how all the pieces fit together to tell our story, engage our community, and keep the mission moving forward. I love seeing how my behind-the-scenes work translates into engaged audiences, and exciting concerts.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can support or collaborate with the Temple Symphony Orchestra in a lot of ways. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We love connecting with individuals, businesses, and organizations that share our passion for bringing live music to our area, especially to communities that might not otherwise have access to symphonic performances. Support can take many forms. Donations and sponsorships help us bring our concerts to life, fund outreach programs, and make tickets accessible to students, military families, and underserved audiences. We offer discounted tickets to students and donate free tickets to active military members and veteran’s organizations, helping remove barriers to access for families and young people. Organizations or community leaders who can help us connect with groups that serve these communities are also invaluable. Whether it’s schools, after-school programs, senior centers, or other nonprofits, these partnerships make it possible for music to reach everyone.
We love working with community organizations, schools, and nonprofits to create partnerships that connect us with new audiences. Every contribution, whether it’s time, resources, or connections, helps us expand our reach and fulfill our mission. One of the bigger obstacles the TSO has is we do not have our own dedicated venue. This makes it great for outreach, but we rely on other organizations to allow us to perform in their performance space working around their event calendar.
And, last but not least, attend a concert! Our professional musicians come from all over the state of Texas and across the globe. We have world-class music, rooted tight here in Central Texas. You’ll leave inspired, connected, and proud to be a part of our community.
Pricing:
- Adult tickets are $30-$40
- Student tickets are $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.templesymphonyorchestra.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templesymphonyorchestra
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/templesymphony
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/58641680
