Piedmont Wind Symphony Launches Inaugural Arts Administration Cohort, Welcomes Two Emerging Arts Leaders
New professional development initiative offers hands-on experience in nonprofit arts leadership, concert production, marketing, and fundraising.
Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS) is investing in the next generation of arts leaders with the launch of its inaugural Arts Administration Cohort, a new professional development initiative designed to provide emerging arts professionals with practical, behind-the-scenes experience in managing a professional performing arts organization.
PWS is pleased to welcome Chase Oncken and Jared Dunn as the program's inaugural cohort members for the 2026–27 season.
Running from October 2026 through May 2027, the eight-month program offers an immersive introduction to nonprofit arts management. Participants will work alongside PWS leadership, gaining experience in concert production, marketing, audience development, fundraising, financial management, community engagement, and strategic planning.
Unlike traditional classroom-based programs, the Arts Administration Cohort emphasizes experiential learning. Participants will contribute to actual organizational projects, attend professional performances and rehearsals, engage with arts leaders, and develop portfolios of work demonstrating their growing administrative skills.
"One of the most important things we can do as an arts organization is invest in the people who will lead our industry forward," said Brianna Cantwell, Executive Director of Piedmont Wind Symphony. "There is so much that happens behind the scenes to bring a concert to life, and opportunities to experience that work firsthand can be difficult to find. We created this cohort to bridge that gap, giving emerging arts professionals a meaningful opportunity to develop their skills, ask questions, and contribute to the work of a professional organization. I'm excited to welcome Chase and Jared as our first cohort members."
Meet the Inaugural Cohort
Chase Oncken is a horn player and recent graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance with a minor in German Studies. During his time at UNCSA, he performed in the orchestra and wind ensemble as both principal and section horn, along with participating in several chamber music groups.
Chase has performed with ensembles throughout North Carolina, including the Piedmont Wind Symphony, the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, and the Western Piedmont Symphony. He has also participated in music programs in the United States and Germany, including the Berlin Opera Academy, the International Chamber Music Academy of Ochsenhausen, and the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival.
Through his experiences as a musician, Chase has developed an appreciation for the work that goes into bringing performances and arts organizations together. He is excited to explore the administrative side of the arts and learn more about how organizations support musicians, connect with audiences, and create meaningful experiences through music. He hopes to combine his background as a performer with his interest in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the arts thriving.
Jared Dunn is a freelance percussionist and educator in the Western North Carolina area. He is an alumnus of Mars Hill University, having studied under Dr. Brian Tinkel and Mr. Paul Babelay and having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance and Music Education. Jared serves as an Honors Percussion Coach for the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, as well as the Assistant Operations Manager for Music City Drum Corps. He is an active performer, including in section performance with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, as well as being a regular clinician and adjudicator across the region. Jared enjoys a full career as a percussion instructor, working alongside several middle and high school band programs in the WNC area as well as with his private lesson studio.
Building the Next Generation of Arts Leadership
Throughout the season, Oncken and Dunn will gain firsthand exposure to the planning and execution of PWS performances, including its Symphonic and Chamber Series concerts. They will also explore the financial, operational, and strategic decisions that shape the organization's artistic and community programming.
The initiative reflects Piedmont Wind Symphony's broader commitment to education, professional development, and creating meaningful opportunities for emerging musicians and arts professionals.
"Strong arts organizations don't happen by accident," Cantwell added. "They require creative thinkers, thoughtful administrators, and people who understand both the artistic and operational sides of the work. We hope this program helps participants discover new career possibilities while developing skills they can carry into the wider arts community."
About Piedmont Wind Symphony
Founded in 1989, Piedmont Wind Symphony has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of classical music. As one of the few non-military professional wind symphonies in the United States, PWS is committed to innovating and evolving wind ensemble music. Through its dedication to artistic excellence, creative programming, education, and community engagement, Piedmont Wind Symphony continues to make wind music relevant and inspiring for audiences throughout Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and beyond.
Piedmont Wind Symphony Contact:
Brianna Cantwell
Executive Director
Piedmont Wind Symphony
cantwellb@pwsymphony.org | (336) 995-0464
###
Comments