Augusta Symphony’s new executive director says success means more than performances
The flowers are the first sign that Becky Dearden, the Augusta Symphony’s new executive director, is new to the job. Still fresh, they take up considerable real estate in the light-filled office perched above the action of lower Broad Street – tokens from friends and well-wishers congratulating her on her new job. And while she has hardly had an opportunity to make an impact on the organization, she has begun the important process of evaluating and engaging with all who find worth in the Augusta Symphony mission.
With the 2024-25 season already planned and announced, Dearden said that she is arriving with a little bit of a head start. She said it is a little bit of a mixed blessing.
“There are pros and cons,” she said with a laugh. “It is true that I don’t have much to do in terms of planning the season – that has all been done. But also, being here, I do want to make a difference. It’s a challenge, but a welcome challenge.”
Dearden said she sees familiarizing herself with not only the Augusta Symphony and its programs, but also the relationship with the community as a whole, as her immediate goal. She said she, like many, had seen the organization as primarily performance oriented. She said researching it prior to expressing interest in her new position uncovered a broader and much more meaningful mission.
“I really didn’t realize everything they did,” she said. “So many things that really bring so much happiness. It really was a reminder of how music brings us together.”
She said programs such as Community Chords, the Augusta Symphony’s education and outreach program, allow the organization the opportunity to provide music therapy, veteran and school outreach, and concerts for audiences that might not otherwise be exposed to orchestral music. Being able to continue developing those programs is as important to her as the orchestra’s regular performances at the Miller Theater. She said she hopes that enthusiasm proves to be an asset to the Augusta Symphony.
“I think that I am just the biggest brand ambassador,” she said. “I really love this organization, and I really love this community. I want us – the Symphony and Augusta – to be the very best we can be.”
Her new role, she said, comes with some very finite and measurable goals. Her previous job was working for local accounting firm SME CPAs, so she understands the value of dollars and common sense. Still, she believes that true success cannot be counted, but is something felt and understood.
“Success is measured by the people – by the supporters and the staff,” she said. “For me, it’s the culture of the organization that will define success.”