When Jennifer Barton enrolled in college, her dream was to study music. Along the way, she discovered she has a flair for business and fundraising.
Two weeks ago, she joined the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra as its manager of individual giving.
"I knew I loved music, but I didn't want to teach music," Barton said.
During a summer internship with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Barton helped develop a music and wellness program.
"That's when I learned I wanted to work with an orchestra," she said.
When Barton was an intern with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, she discovered her career path.
She became a development program assistant and then was promoted to individual giving manager and coordinated the orchestra's midlevel donor programs.
"I never thought I'd want to raise money, but I found development is about connecting with people who love music and giving them an opportunity to support an institution that's a valuable part of their community," she said.
After just two weeks in Jacksonville, Barton said she's been impressed with the city and Downtown.
"It's very vibrant," she said.
The symphony administration is evaluating the orchestra's donor programs, including pre- and post-concert events, special concerts for donors and other amenities and incentives, Barton said.
"It's exciting to take the next step in my career and bring my orchestra fundraising experience to a city that deserves a great symphony orchestra," she said.
The 2013-14 season
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra's 2013-14 season debuts at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 with a salute to Gershwin, Ravel and Tchaikovsky.
The opening concert is part of the Masterworks Series sponsored by Florida Blue.
The Mayo Clinic Coffee Series begins at 11 a.m. Oct. 11 with violinist William Hagen, who will perform Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto and selections from the motion picture "Schindler's List."
The Midtown Men, four stars from the original Broadway cast of "Jersey Boys," will kick off the Fidelity National Financial Pops Series at 8 p.m. Oct. 18.
The EverBank Family Series offers "Symphonic Spooktacular" Oct. 27, a family-oriented Halloween concert when children are invited to wear costumes to the symphony hall.
The holiday lineup begins
Dec. 3 when Christian artist Michael W. Smith performs with the orchestra.
VyStar Credit Union presents four performances of the First Coast Nutcracker Dec. 6-8.
Publix Super Markets Charities presents the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert Dec. 9 and "Holiday Pops" is scheduled for five performances Dec. 12-15.
The orchestra will be joined by the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and guest artists Dec. 21 for one performance of Handel's "Messiah."
"Dark Side of the Moon: The Music of Pink Floyd" is scheduled Feb. 1.
This season's opera offering is Feb. 8 when the Julius N. Frankel Foundation presents Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" with English supertitles.
Music Director Fabio Mechetti's "Finale Concert" is scheduled for two performances May 16-17, when the orchestra will present Mahler's Symphony No. 3.
For the complete season schedule and ticket information, visit jaxsymphony.org.
(904) 356-2466
Facebook.com: Jax Daily Record