KNOXVILLE SYMPHONY COMPLETES TENTH CONSECUTIVE FISCAL YEAR WITH
BALANCED BUDGET; ADDS TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Knoxville, TN – Sept. 26, 2016 -- The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) concluded its 2015-16 fiscal year on
May 31, 2016 with a balanced budget. This is the tenth consecutive year the organization has ended its fiscal year
with a positive result.
The KSO Board of Directors also voted at its annual meeting on September 8, 2016 to add two new board
members: Mrs. Becky Paylor, community volunteer and past president of the Knoxville Symphony League, and Mr.
David Colquitt, Chief of Staff at Pilot Flying J. Photos and biographies of the new board members are included
below. The KSO Board of Directors is chaired by Cynthia Moxley.
KSO Board President Ms. Cynthia Moxley is half way through her two-year term as board president and says
these additions will strengthen the board as a whole. “We are fortunate to work with an outstanding staff and
board of directors during this turning point in the organization as we introduce our new Music Director Aram
Demirjian. The Board plays a crucial role in upholding the organization’s mission, and ensuring financial
sustainability.”
“We are proud to have balanced our annual budget for the tenth consecutive year,” said Executive Director
Rachel Ford. “Patrons have continued their amazing support of this institution via our Annual Fund and by
attending performances throughout last year’s exciting search for the KSO’s new Music Director. Fundraising
events through the Knoxville Symphony League along with individual contributions and concert sponsorships
helped raise in excess $1.7 million for the KSO, which allows us to continue making wonderful music
throughout the Knoxville community.”
For the fiscal year ending May 31, 2016, the KSO had an audited surplus of $4,700. Total revenues were
reported at $3,882,400 and total expenses at $3,877,600.
Knoxville Symphony ends 2015-16 fiscal year with balanced budget, 10th consecutive year
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Other achievements this fiscal year included a sell-out of the new “Classical Christmas” program on the
Chamber Classics series; an expansion of the Q Series as well as an increase in attendance and paid capacity
of 82% for that series; and a 6% growth in subscription revenue. The KSO saw solid sales in the Pops series
with 86% of available seats sold while paid attendance for the Concertmaster & Friends series reached an alltime high at 82%.
2015-16 hosted the largest Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra program in its 42-year history with 325
students participating in five orchestras. The season also saw four KSO musicians completing training to
become Certified Music Practitioners, the Music & Wellness program’s expansion to serve patients with mental
health care needs and the Library Story Time Program expanding to serve 2,300 people across 14 counties in
East Tennessee.
To cap off the KSO’s successful year, the fiscal year ended with the appointment of Music Director Aram
Demirjian, who signed a three-year contract. The KSO Board of Directors is enthusiastic about launching the
“Aram Era” with proven financial stability.
About the KSO: Established in 1935, and now under the leadership of Music Director Aram Demirjian, the
KSO has contributed to the cultural life in East Tennessee continuously for 80 years, providing excellence in
musical and educational programs. The Orchestra consists of 80 professional musicians and performs 250
programs throughout the region each season, reaching audiences of more than 200,000 people. The KSO
performs in traditional venues such as the Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre and the Civic Auditorium as well
as non-traditional places like hospitals, schools, city parks and churches. For more information regarding the
KSO, please call 865-291-3310.
Social Media: Knoxville Symphony adds two members to its Board of Directors; ends its 2015-16 fiscal
year with a balanced budget, 10th consecutive year! Follow @knoxsymphony on Twitter
and Like KSO on Facebook.
Knoxville Symphony ends 2015-16 fiscal year with balanced budget, 10th consecutive year
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Biographies:
Becky Paylor, KSO Board Member
Becky Paylor served as President of the Knoxville Symphony League during the 2014-15
season. She currently serves as Board Chairman for The Restoration House, a ministry for
single moms and their children, is a member of the Pellissippi State Community College
Foundation Board (and is a past chairman, having led the campaign to make Pellissippi an
“All-Steinway School”). She is a Merit Board member of the Knoxville Symphony League, a
board member for Fostering Hope and a Board member for New Life Gathering, the church
plant of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church where she has been a member for 35 years.
David Colquitt, KSO Board Member
David Colquitt serves as Chief of Staff for Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel
centers in North America. Prior to his current role, David worked in operations for Pilot,
serving as both a travel center general manager and a region manager. Prior to Pilot Flying
J, David worked as an Associate for Bracewell & Giuliani LLP in its Houston, TX office.
David has an AB in Politics from Princeton University and a JD from the University of
Virginia School of Law. David lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife,
Annie, and 2-year-old son, Will. David currently serves on the board for the Cleveland
Browns Foundation and is an active member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.
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Knoxville Symphony ends 2015-16 fiscal year with balanced budget, 10th consecutive year
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