The Savannah Philharmonic has hired Kristen Spiridon to be the organization’s new education and community outreach coordinator, effective Aug. 1. The Philharmonic, a long-time proponent of music education and community involvement, has made these initiatives an even bigger priority ahead of its landmark Tenth Anniversary Season. Demonstrating its investment in education and outreach, the Philharmonic’s leadership elevated the coordinator position from a part-time role to a full-time job, paving the way for expansion and growth of the organization’s programs.

A member of the organization for the past seven years, Spiridon joined the Savannah Philharmonic in 2011 as Second Clarinet, and in 2015, she moved to her current position as principal clarinet. She also serves as principal clarinet of the Coastal Symphony and as second clarinet of the Augusta Symphony Orchestra.

Spiridon holds a bachelor’s degree in both clarinet performance and music education from the Peabody Institute at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. She obtained her master’s and artist diploma at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio. A respected teacher and lecturer, Spiridon has been invited to give masterclasses at Boston University, Georgia Southern University, Miami University (OH), and George Mason University. In the summer season, she serves as head of the clarinet faculty at the Judith Lapple Summer Woodwind Camp and Festival in Fairfax, Virginia, a position she has held for sixteen years. She has worked with students of the Golden Isles Youth Orchestra in Brunswick, Georgia, and has led and participated in music education and outreach programs in Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina.

During her four years at the University of Cincinnati, Spiridon served as graduate assistant to the Dean of Graduate Admissions, a capacity which gave her unique insight into the behind-the-scenes management crucial to classical music. Her colleagues in the Augusta Symphony Orchestra have elected her as Chair of the Players Committee, a board position, for the past thee seasons; and recently she completed a course in Nonprofit Grant Writing through the American Grant Writer’s Association.

“Kristen Spiridon is ideally qualified for this education and outreach coordinator position,” Savannah Philharmonic Executive Director Terri O’Neil said. “We have enjoyed her talented performances and support as principal clarinet and we are looking forward to her becoming even more involved with our organization as we head into our dazzling Tenth Anniversary Season!”

Spiridon offers extensive experience as an orchestral musician. In addition to her positions with Savannah, Coastal, and August, she has performed with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Louisville Orchestra, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Lexington Philharmonic, the South Carolina Philharmonic, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, and the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. She has appeared in concert at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hal, the Midwest Clinic, and the World Association of Symphonic Band Ensembles conference. She also represents both Buffet Crampon and Rice Clarinet Works as a Performing Artist and Clinician. 

“I’m looking forward to this new position with the Savannah Philharmonic and the opportunity to build upon an already well-established education and outreach program to inspire audiences of all ages and bring the organization even closer to the Savannah community,” Spiridon said.