Since his appointment to the
position of Executive Director of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra in November
2007, Andrew Buelow has instigated new programming initiatives, expanded the
organization’s marketing and advertising programs, and revitalized its fund
development operation. Under the slogan
“Every Chair Sponsored,” the organization increased individual contributions
47% and attracted 150 new donors during the spring of 2008. As a result, the TSO concluded the 2007-2008
Season with a balanced budget. During
the summer of 2008 the TSO expanded its community-wide presence with a free
concert at the Tall Ships Tacoma festival, a performance backing folk singer
Judy Collins, and a concert at Puyallup Fair with country singer Ronnie
Milsap. The 2008-2009 Season saw a 12%
increase in attendance and an 8.5% increase in contributions. The first two concerts of the 2009-2010 season were
sold out, and single ticket sales overall are currently running 38% over last
year at this time.
Buelow came to Tacoma from the Traverse Symphony Orchestra in Michigan where, as
Executive Director, he was responsible for leading the organization’s strategic
planning, budgeting and finance, fund raising and marketing efforts, as well as
collaborating with the Music Director on artistic planning.
During his six seasons at the
Traverse Symphony, the number of subscribers to the main subscription series
more than doubled, the number of concerts increased from seven to 15, and
overall attendance grew by 60%. In
addition, Buelow successfully led efforts to increase contributed revenue by
more than 40% and build the endowment to nearly $1 million.
Prior to his appointment with
the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Buelow served as Director of Public
Affairs for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. His accomplishments for the
MSO included the implementation of a highly successful international publicity
campaign for the orchestra’s 1999 Cuba Millennium Tour. He also
spearheaded an organization-wide public affairs campaign to build on the MSO’s
strategic relationships throughout the Milwaukee
area, plus a comprehensive brand management program to enhance the orchestra’s
community image. He was instrumental in the establishment of Milwaukee’s Downtown
Theater District, and served on the Milwaukee Downtown BID Marketing
Committee. A member of the International
Who’s Who in Business, Buelow holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude,
from Lawrence University. He is an avid sailor and keyboardist. Buelow lives in Tacoma with his wife Beth and their two cats.