Join the Board
We are delighted that you are interested in joining the TYSA Board of Directors. Please review this information and complete the application below. Please return this application along with a current copy of your resume for consideration (resume is not required but helps us to get to know you). The nominating committee will review your application and, if you appear to be a preliminary match for the organization, will reach out to schedule an interview. Please note that because our organization works with children, a Washington State Patrol background check will be required before a candidate is nominated to the board.
About Tacoma Youth Symphony Association
Our Mission
Through music education, TYSA empowers young people to seek intellectual growth, to explore creative pathways, to appreciate cultural diversity, and to experience the joy of being part of a team while becoming engaged citizens and reaching their greatest musical potential.
Our Vision
TYSA works towards a future where everyone has access to affordable, inclusive, and transformative music experiences, where music education is a vital part of every student’s education and personal growth, and where young musicians have the support they need to succeed in becoming the best versions of themselves artistically and beyond. In creating partnerships with schools, arts organizations, and community groups, TYSA will reduce barriers by bringing the joy of music directly into neighborhoods, allowing TYSA to connect with learners of all ages and abilities.
Our Values
Student-Centered
Inclusion
Musical Distinction
Community
Integrity
Empowerment
Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity
At TYSA, we welcome and embrace all in our pursuit of inclusion and efforts toward social justice. Our diversity makes us stronger as we share our common love of music and learning. We value all races, ethnicities, religious beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and experiences. We believe each individual is a stakeholder in our collective success and enriches our TYSA family and the broader community we serve.
Responsibilities of the TYSA Board of Directors
- Determine mission and purpose.
- Ensure effective planning.
- Ensure adequate financial resources.
- Clearly articulate our mission, vision, values, and accomplishments to the public and garner support from the community. Serve as an ambassador for TYSA.
- Each board member is expected to serve on at least one committee (committees include finance, nominating, fundraising, Trivia Night, scholarship, and other special committees as needed).
- Ensure programs and services offered are consistent with TYSA’s mission and monitor for effectiveness.
- Ensure ethical and legal integrity. Adhere to ethical norms and legal standards.
- Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight. Assist in developing annual budget, ensure proper controls are in place, ensure investments are managed appropriately.
- Select the Executive Director. Reach consensus on the Executive Director’s responsibilities and undertake a careful search to find the most qualified individual for the position when a vacancy occurs.
- Support and evaluate the Executive Director. Ensure that the Executive Director has the professional support they need to further the goals of the organization.
- Build a competent board. Articulate prerequisites for candidates, select and orient new members, and periodically and comprehensively evaluate their own performance.
Board Member Job Description
All TYSA Directors serving on the Board are required to:
- Serve at least one three-year term. Board terms begin June 1, with elections held at the annual meeting in May. A director may be elected on an interim basis to fill a vacant seat until the annual meeting and then may be nominated to join the board for a normal three-year term at that point.
- Annually sign and abide by a Board Member ethics and confidentiality statement.
- Attend and actively participate in monthly board meetings, committee meetings, and assignments.
- Actively serve on at least one board committee.
- Participate in and provide support for special events including fundraisers, public outreach events, etc. Attend TYSA concerts when possible.
- Make a personal financial gift to TYSA each year, according to your personal financial ability. The amount is confidential, although you will be recognized at the appropriate donor tier in concert programs, etc., unless you request your gift to be anonymous.