By Orchestra Indiana—
MUNCIE, IN-Orchestra Indiana is excited to announce that Katie Morgan Perez has been named Executive Director. Perez joined Orchestra Indiana as the Director of Operations in October of 2022, and previously served as the Executive Director of the Community School of the Arts in Marion for eight years. Perez steps into the role following the recent resignation of Scott Watkins.
“In the past few months I have had the pleasure to work alongside an incredible staff and production team dedicated to bringing the highest quality of orchestra music to the East Central Indiana region, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board, the staff, and the talented musicians that bring this important mission to life,” stated Perez of her new role.
As Orchestra Indiana executes an Artistic Director/Conductor search following the announcement that current Artistic Director Matthew Kraemer has been appointed Music Director and Conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic, and will be stepping down at Orchestra Indiana, as well as the announcement of the upcoming 2024-2025 season, Board President Steve Slavin expressed his support for Perez’s leadership. “Katie has provided strong operational support at Orchestra Indiana since joining the staff in October, and her experience as an arts administrator is key to navigating the Artistic Director and Conductor search committee, and planning the coming season. The Board of Directors looks forward to working with her “stated Slavin.
Orchestra Indiana honors the rich tradition of live orchestra music in the region and through its mission to redefine the orchestra experience, with a vision to unite the community through the power of music. Through this transitional change in leadership, the Board of Directors, Perez, and the staff will remain focused on the mission and vision, while continuing to engage musicians, patrons, and supporters. Efforts to strategically plan for the future of Orchestra Indiana, fiscal sustainability and excellence in performance and education programming will remain priority.
Orchestra Indiana Board Treasurer Bill Reece, who had served on the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra board and helped to lead the merger of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Marion Philharmonic Orchestra shared his thoughts on the transition and the impact expected in both Delaware and Grant counties. “Katie is a proven leader in the regional arts community, and Orchestra Indiana is fortunate to have her on board. Her dedication to mission-focused decision-making and strong communication skills, will prove extremely valuable in strengthening relationships in East Central Indiana, and expanding the impact that the organization can have throughout the region” Reece stated.
Orchestra Indiana began in March 2022 when the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Marion Philharmonic Orchestra merged into one organization. Both the MSO and MPO have rich histories in our region, and Orchestra Indiana is fortunate to continue their legacies. Upcoming performances by Orchestra Indiana include East Meets West on Friday, February 24th at 7:30pm at Honeywell Center in Wabash, and Saturday, February 25th at 7:30pm at Emens Auditorium in Muncie. For more information about Orchestra Indiana or to purchase tickets visit orchestraindiana.org or email info@orchestraindiana.org
