Board Strategic Plan

Mission Statement

The mission of The Orchestra of Northern New York is to enrich the quality of life for all people in our region by sharing the power of music to inspire, educate, and entertain.

Vision Statement

We envision a vibrant community in Northern New York where audiences and musicians of all ages are inspired and enriched through frequent, high-quality performances of professional orchestral music. 

Regions Served

The Orchestra of Northern New York primarily serves the North Country New York Economic Development Region with a focus on St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties as well as Franklin, Essex, Clinton, and Lewis Counties through outreach and touring performances.

Guiding Principles and Values

Core Values

• Excellence: Striving for the highest artistic and organizational standards
• Respect: Fostering a culture that values time, talent, and investment
• Community: Engaging deeply with local residents, schools, and organizations
• Accountability: Managing resources responsibly and transparently
• Sustainability: Responsibly preparing for and ensuring future programming

Operating Principles

• Our primary focus is high-quality orchestral music and we aspire to support music education and advocacy.
• We pursue financially and operationally sustainable projects.
• The Board accepts calculated risks to pursue growth and long-term impact.
• All activities must align with strategic, artistic, ethical, and legal priorities.
• Programming is intentionally cohesive, with full-season planning and budgeting including all organizational offerings.
• ONNY must be an active member of the broader regional musical ecosystem.
• We support music education and student engagement as a core part of our mission.

Programming Philosophy

The Orchestra of Northern New York seeks to enrich the lives of North Country residents with professional caliber performances of orchestral music, combining beloved classical repertoire with vibrant works from new voices as well as popular culture. We believe our music can inspire, comfort, and nurture both mind and soul, not only through high quality performances, but also through our educational programs and community engagement initiatives. 

Strategic Pillars and Goals

1. Artistic Programming

• Deliver six full-ensemble concerts annually by FY 2028
• Achieve the appropriate number of musical personnel for varied programming 
• Transform the Adirondack Summer Chamber Series into a self-funding program
• Provide professional caliber performances of orchestral music, combining beloved classical repertoire with vibrant works from new voices as well as popular culture
• Maximize youth artistic programs to reach all counties in our region

2. Audience Development & Community Engagement

• Increase attendance year over year
• Expand demographic reach and visibility through innovative marketing
• Revitalize youth and student engagement initiatives
• Strengthen partnerships with colleges, schools, and community organizations
• Integrate ONNY into the fabric of the North Country community

3. Accountability in Finances and Organization

• Reduce reliance on ticket sales as a primary revenue stream
• Grow alternative streams of long-term funding including our endowment
• Build and maintain a six-month operating reserve
• Ensure balanced budgets annually
• Increase compensation for musicians
• Add staff to support operations and fundraising
• Enhance board engagement and committee involvement
• Increase music acquisition budget

Implementation Timeline

The Board has established a timeline that lays out the activities required to achieve our core strategic outcomes over the next three years. Activities are broken down by planning (P), implementing (I), and evaluation (E) phases.