Involvement with a Tennessee symphony orchestra can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to a Tennessee symphony orchestra to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

Tennessee orchestras generally fall into the following categories:

1. Tennessee symphony orchestras that have professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional Tennessee symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Tennessee. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: Join the League of American Orchestras to support symphonies not only in Tennessee, but those around the country. The American Federation of Musicians has a list of the member orchestras of the Regional Orchestra Players' Association.

Support a youth Tennessee symphony orchestra

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. Tennessee youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: Playmusic.org has many music-related links, including an alphabetical list of youth symphonies by state. Your business can support a youth symphony orchestra such as the Chattanooga Youth Symphony Orchestra in Tennessee.

Buy tickets to a Tennessee orchestra in your city

Most large cities in Tennessee have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The home venue for the Memphis Symphony is Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis. The Nashville Symphony performs most of its concerts at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Become a corporate sponsor for a Tennessee symphony orchestra because many frequently depend on donations. This can be a cost-effective means of promoting your company. You can also encourage your employees to volunteer to teach music classes and perform in free concerts. Many back-stage opportunities exist for volunteers, as well.