January 16, 2025

Unlocking Creative Potential in Communities | Dr. Anna Jensen @ Tacoma Youth Symphony Association

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IN THIS EPISODE…

Arts organizations can promote community engagement and impact. Yet the rapid adoption of technology and limited funding options can hinder opportunities for meaningful interactions. How can nonprofit arts associations foster cultural diversity and amplify their reach throughout communities?

In today’s episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey and Rachel Brown of M Agency interview Dr. Anna Jensen, the Executive Director of the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, about her efforts to promote community engagement through music. Dr. Jensen discusses her leadership philosophy, how arts associations shape communities’ cultural identities, and how she remains relevant in her role amid changing dynamics.

Nonprofit executive and musician Dr. Anna Jensen leads initiatives to provide creative outlets to diverse communities. She collaborates with team members and arts commissions to champion diversity and inclusion. Nonprofit art associations can connect communities by allowing youth and underprivileged individuals to participate in activities that build confidence and bolster leadership skills. Through events and activities that promote collaboration and creativity, these organizations can establish a lasting presence in their communities and beyond.

Listen in for insights on community impact and creative engagement.

 

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Dr. Anna Jensen is the Executive Director of the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, which provides music education opportunities for students. With 17 years of nonprofit administrative experience, she was the Education Manager for both the Symphony Tacoma and the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, where she managed the Evergreen Music Festival for 12 years.

Dr. Jensen is also a Lecturer of Double Bass at Pacific Lutheran University and was the Senior Lecturer of Double Bass at Central Washington University. As a conductor, she is a clinician and adjudicator for concerts, festivals, and workshops across the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Jensen has conducted numerous all-state orchestras, regional honor groups, summer music festival orchestras, and city-wide orchestra festivals.

Learn more about Anna:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-jensen-029510163/

https://tysamusic.org/

 

HERE’S A GLIMPSE OF WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

  • [2:41] What inspired Dr. Anna Jensen’s music and youth development career?
  • [7:05] How the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association contributes to its community and impacts young musicians
  • [13:59] The role of nonprofit organizations in shaping a community’s cultural identity
  • [16:43] Dr. Jensen’s definition of thought leadership and how she remains relevant in her role
  • [23:36] Challenges facing youth arts organizations — and how to overcome them
  • [27:28] Dr. Jensen shares her leadership philosophy for creating a meaningful community
  • [32:00] Tacoma Youth Symphony Association’s upcoming projects
  • [34:33] Advice for leaving a leadership legacy

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

 

Quotable Moments:

  • “In everything that could be a threat, there’s an opportunity. Technology can’t bring people together to create live music in the same way.”
  • “We have to really believe in what we’re doing in order to be successful.”
  • “I want to completely blow up the model of the Youth Symphony… it really is for everyone.”
  • “Music changes your brain. It creates a more human approach, making the world a gentler, friendlier place.”
  • “Fail fast and then just improve. Test it, go on, and try something else.”

Action Steps:

    1. Engage with community programs: Encourage participation in local music programs and community events to foster a sense of belonging and cultural identity.
    2. Promote music education for all ages: Support music theory and practice classes for both youth and adults to maintain lifelong engagement with the arts.
    3. Advocate for technology-free zones: Create designated times and spaces where technology is not used, allowing individuals to focus on live interaction and collaboration.
    4. Encourage leadership and ownership: Empower team members by giving them the autonomy to lead projects and make decisions.
    5. Support and attend live performances: Attend and promote live concerts and performances to sustain the vibrancy of the arts community.

     

    SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE…

    This episode is brought to you by M Agency, a full-service creative marketing agency in Tacoma, Washington.

    We are a strategic partner for companies wanting to build memorable brands, websites, and marketing campaigns.

    Our team of creative professionals leverages their unique talents and skills to provide various branding, design and development, marketing, and creative services.

    If you’re ready to take action with your marketing, visit https://whatisyourm.com/.