Dr. Sarah Southard
Executive Director
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Sarah Southard serves as NMYO’s Executive Director. In order to achieve the organization’s mission, she oversees NMYO’s programs and staff, works to build and strengthen partnerships with other community and arts organizations, and develops the organization’s capacity through grants and fundraising to ensure its long-term success and sustainability. She works closely with the Music Director and entire music staff to deliver NMYO’s exemplary ensemble training programs.
In addition to working for NMYO, Dr. Southard is an adjunct professor at Gordon College in Wenham, MA and a professional freelance oboist. She has previously held teaching positions at Hope College, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, University of Michigan-Flint, Northern Kentucky University, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and the Interlochen Center for the Arts All-State Orchestra and All-State Band. In 2024, Dr. Southard performed the Goossens Oboe Concerto with the Holland Symphony Orchestra in Holland, MI, a group where she was principal oboe, and has played with many other groups including: Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra (RI), Holland Symphony Orchestra (MI), Midland Symphony Orchestra (MI), Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (NY), New World Symphony Orchestra (FL), Cincinnati Symphony Opera Orchestra (OH), and Madison Symphony and Chamber Orchestras (WI). |
As an advocate for new music, Southard has been involved with several commissions of solo and chamber music that includes oboe, giving premiere performances at the International Double Reed Society and National Flute Association conferences. She holds three degrees in oboe performance: a BM from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a MM from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and the DMA from Michigan State University.
Dr. Southard finds joy in working with young musicians, whether it is giving private oboe lessons or through her administration roles with youth ensembles including the Musical Arts Academy at Hope College, the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble, and the Wisconsin Youth Orchestras. Dr. Southard’s background in teaching, performing, as well as her administrative experiences, serves her well as NMYO’s Executive Director.
Dr. Southard finds joy in working with young musicians, whether it is giving private oboe lessons or through her administration roles with youth ensembles including the Musical Arts Academy at Hope College, the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble, and the Wisconsin Youth Orchestras. Dr. Southard’s background in teaching, performing, as well as her administrative experiences, serves her well as NMYO’s Executive Director.
