Building Careers Through Harmony: The Andrew J. Brady Internship Program
by Mya Gibson, 2024–25 Communications Intern
“In order to be successful, I think you have to have an internship that will broaden your mind to what else is out there—not only within the department you are interested in, but in the field itself.” —D’Anté McNeal, 2021–22 Brady Intern
2024–25 Brady interns, from left: Kit Gladieux, Madelyn McArthur, Lauren Hall, Isabella Prater, Laura Aldana, Mason Stewart and Grace Kim.
Behind the grandeur of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra lies a vibrant engine of young talent and ambition: The Andrew J. Brady Internship Program. Named in honor of a beloved Cincinnati music educator, this season-long paid internship provides aspiring arts administrators with unparalleled hands-on experience in the world of the performing arts. The program is designed to foster the next generation of industry leaders, offering interns direct exposure to every facet of arts administration. At the heart of the internship is a mentorship initiative that pairs each intern with a member of the senior management team, providing valuable insight from experienced leaders within the organization. The interns have regular one-on-one career development sessions that cover essentials such as workplace etiquette, resume reviews and mock interviews. They also have the unique opportunity to work closely with their managers on projects and assignments that contribute directly to their teams’ success. This hands-on approach not only builds valuable experience but allows the interns to play an active role in the organization, aligning seamlessly with the Orchestra’s mission to “seek and share inspiration.”
Diversity within the orchestra field remains a work in progress. According to a report by the League of American Orchestras covering orchestras in the U.S. over the last decade from 2013 to 2023, the representation of historically underrepresented groups in orchestral music has only seen modest growth. This includes roles such as board members, top executives, staff members, music directors, conductors and musicians. The Andrew J. Brady Internship, now in its fourth year, is making strides to address this disparity by encouraging applicants from historically underrepresented groups in orchestra music.
The program’s structure owes much of its success to the efforts of Kyle Wynk-Sivashankar, Vice President of Human Resources, and Natalia Lerzundi, Human Resources & Payroll Coordinator. They have shaped the program into the robust initiative it is today. As Wynk explains, one of the program’s key goals is to “make our interns the most qualified people for any entry-level position.” Obtaining qualifications like this is invaluable for someone looking for a job in the competitive performing arts field. Lerzundi adds, “We have hired at least one intern from every Brady intern class we have had, which is something we are really proud of.” The journey from internship to employment inspires participants, showing them that a fulfilling career in arts administration is within their reach. The success of the Brady Internship Program is evident in the stories of its alumni. Three current CSO employees began their careers as Brady interns.
MADELYN McARTHUR, Audience Engagement Manager
When Madelyn McArthur applied for the internship in 2023, she had no idea this would be her future full-time job. McArthur served as the marketing intern for the 2023–24 season. “The internship gave me a lot of confidence,” remarked McArthur. “As an intern at the CSO, I felt like I was fully part of the team, not just a one-on-one experience with my supervisor. That team mentality really motivated me to integrate within the entire organization.” McArthur’s background is in the visual arts and her work as an intern was clearly visible to concertgoers. Those attending the March 2024 Proof concert, “From the Canyons to the Stars,” would have seen McArthur’s exhibit that “was inspired by the sounds and the bird calls present in the piece and native to Utah’s Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.” For the 2024 May Festival, McArthur collaborated with local artists to create a zine, which contained artwork based on the themes of the Festival.
SHUTA MAENO, Assistant to the Music Director & Artistic Planning
Shuta Maeno was part of the 2022–23 season cohort as the artistic planning intern. Maeno had held previous internships at smaller nonprofits “where I did a bit of everything,” adding that “I wanted an internship that was more focused on one area and where I could be close to music.” Maeno holds a dual degree from the University of Cincinnati in clarinet performance and philosophy, so artistic planning is a good fit. Maeno credits relationship-building as a key component of the internship. “As an intern, I had two great mentors in my supervisor Anthony Paggett and my senior management mentor Robert McGrath. Both imparted their broad knowledge about the industry and helped develop the skillset I use today. Working alongside my mentors at an orchestra whose mission and vision align with my own philosophy really solidified my desire to continue to work here. So, when a position opened up the fall after I completed my internship, I jumped at the opportunity.”
D’ANTÉ McNEAL, Special Projects Coordinator
D’Anté McNeal was part of the inaugural Brady Internship class in the 2021–22 season and served as the philanthropy intern. McNeal’s long-term goal is clear: “My ultimate goal is be an executive director of an orchestra and use music to connect and heal communities.” McNeal’s background is in production and operations, and he knew he had to broaden his experiences to achieve his goal. “During the philanthropy internship, I learned how to interact with people through our mission to create a better relationship between the organization’s vision and the donor’s needs.” For McNeal, what makes the Brady Internship different from other internships is the dedicated focus on learning and tailoring the experience to meet each intern’s needs. “My intern supervisor, Kate Farinacci, had a set of skills she wanted me to learn, and she gave me the ability to learn outside of these areas. For me, the attitude was ‘bring what you want to learn and we’ll make it happen.’”
MYA GIBSON, 2024–25 Communications Intern
As a current Brady intern [and author of this article], I can personally attest to the program’s value. I recently earned my bachelor’s degree in music in 2023 and am now a student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music working on a Master of Arts Administration degree. I have only been with the CSO for a short time, but the experience has been nothing less than enriching. I know that, after the season is over, I will have so much knowledge to apply for any job.
While interviewing the alumni of the program, I asked each of them a final question: “What advice would you give current or future interns?” Building professional relationships emerged as a key piece of advice. McArthur encouraged me to “reach out to your colleagues and make the most of your experience as an intern at the CSO.” McNeal reflected, “These are the people that make everything happen—both seen and unseen. They’ve got the experience, so invite them to coffee or lunch to learn as much as you can from them.” There is a shared culture of knowledge and support within the walls of Music Hall, which reinforces the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s mission of fostering innovation and inspiration. Maeno pointed out, “What we do here is very special, it is unique, and the goals we strive for are something we believe the entire industry should aim for.”
The dedication to high standards, representation and visibility drives the dedicated team at the Orchestra to create inclusive and impactful work. For some, the Andrew J. Brady Internship marks the beginning of a promising career, a launching pad to absorb knowledge and pave the way to their dream roles in or out of music. For others, it represents the culmination of their aspirations, offering fulfillment and purpose right here within the organization. For students and young professionals passionate or curious about arts administration, this program is a must.
Another strength of the program is its openness; applicants do not need a background in music to apply. Diverse perspectives and talents are not only welcomed but celebrated. It is a vibrant community learning experience and a steppingstone for an aspiring arts professional.
For more information about the Andrew J. Brady Internship, visit cincinnatisymphony.org/intern.