Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

KAMLOOPS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Kamloops Symphony’s new executive director looking forward to building relationships in the city

Jun 18, 2019 | 4:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — After Kathy Humphreys, executive director of the Kamloops Symphony, announced her retirement earlier this year, the search for her successor was on.

The Symphony received dozens of applications including some from as far away as Asia and Eastern Europe; after an extensive interview process, they got their man: Daniel Mills, from Calgary. His first day in the Symphony office was Monday, and CFJC Today caught up with him as he settles into his new role.

While the boxes aren’t his, Daniel Mills’ workspace is symbolic of his transition into his new role with the Kamloops Symphony. Monday was Mills’ first day in the office as the KSO’s new Executive Director.

“Taking over for Kathy is such an honor,” Mills says, “but it also comes with a lot of responsibility to make sure the Orchestra grows in a sustainable manner.”

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The classically-trained trumpet player has degrees in music from McGill University and the University of Ottawa. He also just completed his Master’s degree in Business Administration. It’s that combination of artistic and business skills Mills believes gave him an edge over the other candidates for the position.

“I’m really able to apply that context to the business side of things,” Mills explains. “I can kind of speak to both the business and the art form and try and find a place where they meet in the middle and can grow sustainably.”

Image Credit: CFJC Today

After Mills was offered the job, he had the opportunity to meet with KSO Music Director Dina Gilbert. According to Symphony Board President Miki Andrejevic, Gilbert and Mills share a similar philosophy about the direction they’d like to see the Orchestra take.

“Our music director and Daniel, they understand each other absolutely,” Andrejevic says. “They have the same philosophy for what classical music is all about.”

For Mills, the artistic vision Gilbert has for the KSO was an easy one to get behind.

“[Gilbert]’s been great at programming works by female composers, which in Western Classical music isn’t always the case. Also, I can see she has a passion for showcasing local talent,” Mills says. “Whether that’s composers from Kamloops, or from Salmon Arm in the upcoming season for example.”

Image Credit: CFJC Today

Andrejevic believes the Kamloops Symphony Board of Directors made the right excision in selecting Mills from the deep pool of candidates.

“He’s only 30 years old, but he has great potential,” Andrejevic says. “It’s going to be a good challenge [for him], and as a board, we will offer him support and help.”

Mills is looking forward to getting to know the city and hopes he’s able to build a culture of collaboration.

“Really, trying to create something better together,” Mills says. “Whether that’s [with] the other arts institutions here in town or other community groups.”