GET TO KNOW JASON FARMER

GET TO KNOW Jason

Farmer

I’VE BEEN BLESSED TO SERVE ON THE MSO BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR SIX YEARS AND WILL SOON BE NAMED THE FIRST BLACK MSO BOARD CHAIR.

Q: In just a short phrase, how would you describe Memphis?

Memphis is coming into the fullness of its promise on the strength of rich cultural, industrial, musical, and social justice contributions to the region and the entire world.

Q: Similarly, in a short phrase, how would you describe MSO or the importance of music more broadly?

One of Memphis’ greatest gifts to humanity has been and continues to be music. MSO plays a critical role in presenting that gift to our local community and the world stage, fully embracing our triumphs and flaws.

Q: How do you see those two connected?

Music has always been and is a conduit across time and space that unites communities. MSO has been an essential community driver by embracing and encouraging a diverse appreciation and collaborations of this art form.

Q: Tell us about your personal story.

As a young man, I was a member of the Whitehaven High School marching and concert bands, which fortunately led to multiple college scholarships playing tuba and baritone. Yet, the realities of poverty and family positioning as the eldest child of a large family prevented me from attending college. Instead, I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

I took my love of music worldwide and onto battlefi elds fi nding solace amid chaos driven by Gospel Music, The Memphis Sound, and Classical Music. My world travels deepened that appreciation and broadened my perspective, allowing me to see how unique the Memphis Spirit is to the fabric of the world.

Now as a business owner, I have chosen to build a life for my family here in Memphis, where my love for music began. Q: What is it about MSO that is exceptional and that and how it serves the Memphis community?

Q: What has music meant to you throughout your life?

My service on the board fully embodies the power, spirit, and possibilities of music. My fi rmly planted roots remain in The Foote Homes Housing Projects, located in 38126, one of the most impoverished zip codes in the country. Even there, my parents dared to dream and promoted education. Despite being denied an opportunity to pursue a music career in college, my passion sustained me. Now, I am in the position to connect that next music-loving dreamer and help them turn that dream into a reality. I’ve been blessed to serve on the MSO Board of Directors for 6 years and will soon be named the fi rst Black MSO Board Chair. The love of music, the driving support of family and key community connections have propelled me to this point where I can further carve opportunities in the Arts for all. Q: How did you become connected with MSO? Even in our community’s darkest hours, we can refl ect on our most promising moments, which are always tied to the undeniable thump of music: Inspiring Gospel, Blues, Gritty Rap, Rock and Roll, R/B and the MSO. With the MSO at the forefront of the Arts community and a supporter of all genres and forms. MSO has surpassed being an entity that simply

THE LOVE OF MUSIC, performs concerts in grand halls; we are an indelible

THE DRIVING SUPPORT part of the heart and

OF FAMILY AND KEY soul of Memphis and its success. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Q: Given your interest in

HAVE PROPELLED ME fi lm, do you see any other ways MSO can collaborate

TO THIS POINT WHERE with other aspects of the arts community in

I CAN FURTHER CARVE Memphis, including the fi lmmaking community?

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE For over a decade, my core

ARTS FOR ALL. business has involved fi lm/ entertainment. As our growth accelerates, we will drive opportunities for movie scores, soundtracks, and more than 1,500 music placement needs annually. The development and onboarding of the BLP Film Studios campus represent new possibilities for practitioners to participate in additional revenue streams. Further cementing Memphis as a destination and supporter of the Arts.

Spearheaded by a trio of amazing supporters, my introduction to the MSO included unique insight and support as I grew in my role.

Years after returning to Memphis, George Cates, my business mentor, and friend, led me to the MSO board through our shared love of classical music. Fellow board member, Gayle Rose, welcomed me and graciously shared the nuances around board service, community building and protecting the MSO legacy. In parallel, Joseph Nelson, my junior high school band director who also worked for MSO, continued to serve as a key infl uence in my music, life, and career development.

Q: What do you hope for in the next years for Memphis and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra?

We are well on the way to becoming a self-sustained, transformative, institutional example for other orchestras worldwide due to the hard work and sacrifi ces of musicians, previous supporters, visionaries, and volunteer board members.