David Beauchesne | Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School executive director
I grew up in a paper-mill town of about 15,000 in British Columbia. It was a town of predominantly blue-collar immigrants, full of opportunities to make and hear music, including community choruses, bands, bagpipe brigades and a local community music school. Music was and is a big part of my town’s identity, as well as its economy. Growing up there taught me that music of all kinds is for everyone.
When I was recruited by the Philharmonic in 2006, I related to Rhode Island as being a “larger small town” with roots in the mills of the Industrial Revolution. As one of our state’s premier performing arts organizations, I take seriously our mission to serve all Rhode Islanders through great music.
At the Philharmonic, we are continually considering the following questions:
• Who are the people of Rhode Island?
• What do they collectively or individually need from us?
• How can we enhance and improve this community through music?
• How can we ensure we are including everyone?
Answering these questions has brought music to more people through a collection of new initiatives, facilities and partnerships and has reignited public interest. The number of people we serve has roughly doubled, we’ve grown to employ almost 400 people and our fiscal health has increased fivefold.
Based on our experience, I’ve learned that if you believe in what you do, know who you are serving, listen to what they need, trust that they are capable and find the right partners, then anything is possible.