An Everyday Symphony

Cassandra Miller | Executive Director, Catskill Symphony Orchestra

Tucked away in the rural landscape of Otsego County is Oneonta, otherwise known as the City of the Hills. As the only city in the county, Oneonta is a hub for people looking for a break from the slower pace of rural life. One of the bright spots of the Oneonta arts and culture scene is the Catskill Symphony Orchestra, which has brought world-class music to the area since 1953. As Executive Director, native Oneontan Cassandra Miller brings her experience in public relations and marketing to continue the orchestra’s long standing tradition of bringing symphonic music to Central New York audiences. 

A typical day for Cassandra includes running operations for the symphony, meeting with musicians, board members, donors, and sponsors, applying for grants and sponsorships, and administration duties like accounting, emails, and marketing campaigns. In short, Cassandra conducts the many moving parts of the orchestra, making beautiful music of the myriad daily tasks.

Returning to Otsego County from Baltimore was an adjustment, but Cassandra soon discovered some favorite places and activities, including Latte Lounge, Autumn Cafe, and kayaking on Goodyear Lake. Her advice for living in Otsego County? Be a go-getter! 

“It’s a supportive, tight-knit community where you can do cool things if you’re up for making them happen.”

Like many locals in Otsego County, Cassandra counts summer as her favorite season, saying “There’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be than upstate NY in summer.” For music lovers, a Catskill Symphony Orchestra season of music is one not to be missed!