About the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra
Where Music and Community Come Together
Welcome to the Hilton Head Symphony’s 45th Anniversary Season.
For 45 years, HHSO has brought our community together through the power of music.
Today, we’re proud to offer extraordinary experiences that extend far beyond the concert hall—from our Orchestra Series and SoundWaves performances to Jazz in the Park, BravoPiano!, youth education, and cultural programs that celebrate the spirit of the Lowcountry.
Extraordinary Music. Uniquely Lowcountry.
— Alan Jordan, President and CEO
About the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra
The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (HHSO) is a premier cultural organization dedicated to enriching the Lowcountry through the power of music. For more than 45 years, HHSO has brought world-class musicians, celebrated guest artists, and exceptional performances to the community while making music accessible to audiences of all ages. Beyond its acclaimed Orchestra Series, HHSO offers a diverse range of musical experiences, educational programs, and community initiatives that inspire connection, celebrate artistic excellence, and strengthen the region’s cultural vitality.
The HHSO Vision
To Inspire, Enrich, and Unite the Lowcountry Through Music.
The HHSO Mission
Inspire
- audiences through outstanding and accessible orchestral music
- young musicians through opportunities to perform and be recognized
Enrich the Community Through
- youth programs
- community performances
Unite the Community by
- collaborating with other cultural organizations
- celebrating our unique cultural heritage
- promoting the Lowcountry as an arts and cultural destination
Strengthen our resources to support financial sustainability and growth
Goals
Artistic Excellence
- We will strive for the highest standards in performing and programming.
- We will support the development of future talent via competitions for young artists.
- We will strive for innovative programming and presentation.
Organizational Excellence
- We will always operate in a culture of service, respect and collaboration.
- We will attract the finest board, musicians, staff and volunteers.
Excellence in Stewardship
- We will maintain a sound financial condition with clear accountability.
- We will concentrate on the development of music understanding among the youth of the Low Country through our Youth Orchestra and Education/Outreach Programs.
HHSO Strategies
To carry out its stated mission, the strategic thrust of HHSO will be to manage its financial resources and utilize its human resources (Musicians, Staff, Board, and Volunteers) to enrich our community (Audience, Schools, Youth Groups, Retirement Communities, & Tourists). While there will be specific strategies in each of the areas, activities will be planned and implemented to ensure maximum overlap and benefit to the total.
Specific Strategies
Community
- Increase Audience Base with diverse programming and expanded performances (Additions, Repeats, Venues, etc.).
- Increase music awareness and appreciation in the community, and introduce and teach the musicians of the future through Education/Outreach and Youth Orchestra activities
- Collaborate with other organizations to enrich the concert experience and to make Hilton Head Island a Center for the Arts.
Finances
- Increase the Endowment to ensure long term financial viability.
- Increase the base of Annual Financial Support.
Human Resources
- Attract and Effectively Utilize an Involved and Active Board and corps of Volunteers.
- Maintain a professional and well managed Staff.
- Provide an environment that optimizes performance opportunities for musicians that will attract and retain quality artistic resources.
- Nurture musicians of the future through competitions – Concerto Competition, International Piano Competition, etc.