Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Catanzaro.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
First of all, thank you so much for the opportunity to tell my story! I am truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity. My story began with a love of music from a young age. My mom took me to my first classical music concert at six weeks old! I grew up performing clarinet in band and orchestra and attended Interlochen (International Arts Camp/Academy), where my love of music really blossomed. From there, I went on to receive my undergraduate degree in Music Education. I started out my career as a general music teacher and band director. After teaching in the public schools, I built a lesson studio of over 40 students and greatly enjoyed teaching. In 2016, one of the clarinet ensembles in the studio performed at the Music for All National Festival. They were one of only eight high schools around the U.S. invited to perform at the festival. I have also been blessed to travel the world as a musician and share my love of music with so many wonderful individuals. I also became a certified business coach where I work with nonprofits and small businesses to achieve their goals. After my son was born, I went back to school and received my graduate degree in Executive Leadership, which led to my current position as Executive Director of Springboro Wind Symphony. I am so lucky that I also get to be a stay-at-home mom and homeschool my son part-time, he is the love of my life!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Wow, when you think of obstacles and challenges, the first thing that comes to mind is Covid. For the performing arts community around the world and for so many others, Covid wreaked havoc that changed lives. Springboro Wind Symphony started in January of 2020. Our first concert was supposed to be in March of that year, and then Covid shutdowns hit across the U.S. SWS obviously had to shut down and took an almost two-year hiatus. This was such a tough pill to swallow when you are a musician and are used to performing almost constantly. The Covid pandemic was very tough on everyone, but I think it also taught us a couple of important life lessons. It taught us not to take things for granted, our time and loved ones. There is something very powerful about performing music. Even though musicians may not have performed for a long time, the comeback of performing in an ensemble created a sense of passion for the craft that I had not seen in a long time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am very honored to serve as Executive Director of Springboro Wind Symphony. Springboro Wind Symphony is an 85-member ensemble that consists of Wind, Brass, and Percussion instruments. SWS could not have started without the brilliance of two other people, Josh Baker (SWS Music Director/Conductor) and Sheila Lairson (SWS Co-founder and Board Member). SWS provides professional-level music concerts, chamber ensembles, and educational opportunities for the community. The musicians that encompass SWS are music educators, college students, professional musicians and we even have a few doctors in the group! One of the things that really stands out about this group is the level of passion and energy that is performed in the music. This passion and energy come together to create something truly magical. One highlight of the group is that we were just invited to perform at OMEA, which is our state music conference, and this is a big honor and privilege for SWS to perform.
How do you define success?
Success for me is at the end of the day knowing that I truly helped someone else to further their passion and become the best version of themselves. I truly care about the musicians in SWS. There is a high level of expectation for SWS, but for me, the musician comes first before the music. My view of leadership is servant leadership, motivating people, treating them with kindness, and being able to see the obstacles ahead, and guiding an organization through that process. A lot of people think of success as reaching for your goals. Although this is a lofty and admirable goal, I believe that part of success is “enjoying” the ride while you reach for your goals. One of my mentors, David Keener, taught me the importance of living in the moment of your life and living life to the fullest. Mr. Keener always taught me to never to settle for being mediocre, and I strive to live by these standards in everything that I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: springborowindsymphony.com
- Instagram: springborowindsymphony
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Springboro-Wind-Symphony-105872757505475/
Image Credits
Bill Kovacs
Nicholas Falzerano
