ThE FLAIR Q&A

A world-class orchestra right in our own backyard? Yes! A major player on the scene where graduate students make an indelible mark (including in an award-winning Hollywood film)? Oh yes! If you know The Orchestra Now (TŌN) at Bard College, then you've experienced the passionate work of its Executive Director. Meet the unstoppable Kristin Roca.

Tell me about your work or specialty.

I am the Executive Director of The Orchestra Now (TŌN) at Bard College, a graduate-level training orchestra dedicated to preparing the next generation of professional musicians. My role is incredibly diverse, which is one of the things I love most about it. I oversee everything from producing more than 30 concerts annually at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Fisher Center, and Jazz at Lincoln Center to managing an academic program that provides our musicians with a graduate degree focused on curatorial, critical, and performance studies. But beyond the concerts, budgets, fundraising, and day-to-day operations, what matters most to me is creating opportunities. I aim to make our musicians understand that a successful career in classical music can take many forms, and that being a great musician means more than performing beautifully onstage. It also means connecting with audiences, engaging with their communities, and inspiring the next generation. I am constantly seeking innovative partnerships with cultural institutions, schools, and local communities that not only enable our musicians to grow but also make classical music more accessible to everyone.

I'm a big believer in creating gateways into classical music. Whether it's performing a beloved film or video game score live, participating in a major motion picture, or presenting the great symphonic masterpieces, I am always thinking about how we can reach someone who might never have considered attending an orchestra concert. I love the challenge of finding that connection and turning a first-time concertgoer into a lifelong music lover.

How'd you get to where you are now?

My career has not followed a traditional path, and I actually think that's been one of my greatest strengths. I began my professional life as a dancer, singer, and actress, pursuing a performing career onstage, in television, and film. While I loved performing, I quickly realized that being involved in just one small part of a production wasn't enough for me. I was fascinated by everything happening behind the scenes—how a production came together, the people who made it happen, and all the moving pieces that turned an idea into something extraordinary. I wanted to be part of the entire process, not just my moment onstage. That curiosity led me into production and administration, where I discovered that I loved bringing people and ideas together just as much as I loved performing. When my family moved from Los Angeles to Tivoli, New York, I continued building on those skills while raising my children, working with local nonprofit organizations and television productions filming in the Hudson Valley. Each experience taught me something different about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of being willing to roll up your sleeves and figure things out.

In 2015, I joined Bard College, working with the Conservatory's graduate programs and assisting the founding Executive Director of TŌN as the program was getting off the ground. Being there from the beginning gave me an invaluable opportunity to understand the organization from the inside out—what worked, what didn't, and where we had the potential to grow. In 2019, I was asked to become Executive Director, and since then I've dedicated myself to building TŌN into one of the country's premier orchestral training programs.

Looking back, I think the greatest advantage of my unconventional career path is that I've experienced the performing arts from so many different perspectives—as an artist, a producer, and an administrator. I've always been willing to take on a challenge, surround myself with talented people, and find a way to make things happen. What I've discovered along the way is that my greatest satisfaction doesn't come from being in the spotlight myself, but from creating the opportunities that allow others to shine.

What surprises you in your work, now or in the past?

There are so many things that continue to surprise me about my work. One of my favorites is discovering just how much classical music is already part of our everyday lives, often without people even realizing it! It's everywhere—in commercials, cartoons, movies, and video games. I love watching someone's face light up when they recognize a piece of music, they've heard a hundred times but never knew was written by Beethoven, Mozart, or another great composer. There's something wonderful about making that connection and helping people realize that classical music isn't some distant, unfamiliar art form reserved for a select audience. It's something they've been enjoying their entire lives without even knowing it. Those little moments of discovery are what make me so passionate about finding new and unexpected ways to introduce people to this extraordinary music.

What also surprises me is the idea that presenting orchestral music in nontraditional ways somehow takes away from the tradition or integrity of classical music. I couldn't disagree more! I believe these experiences celebrate the art form by introducing it to people who might never have considered attending an orchestra concert. One of my greatest joys is seeing someone come to one of our live film concerts for the very first time and then return to hear a traditional symphonic program. To me, that's exactly what we should be doing—opening doors, breaking down barriers, and showing people that classical music belongs to everyone. It has always been part of popular culture, and I believe embracing that connection is essential to keeping it relevant and thriving for generations to come.

Any other interests or pursuits (big or small)?

Spending time with my family is, without question, my favorite way to enjoy my downtime. Beyond that, writing, baking cupcakes, and escaping to the beach are the things interest me most. I absolutely love baking cupcakes, and I have a habit of finding out someone's favorite cake and frosting combination shortly after meeting them. Some people remember names and birthdays, I remember whether you're a chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream person or a red velvet with cream cheese frosting person! I love being able to surprise someone with their favorite treat. It's a small gesture, but one that brings me a great deal of happiness.
Writing is another passion of mine, although lately I've managed to accumulate quite a collection of unfinished projects that are patiently waiting for me to find the time to complete them. I'm determined that one day I will! And finally, whenever I need to step away, recharge, and find my happy place, you'll find me by the ocean. It's where I feel most at home and where everything seems to fall back into perspective.

What drives you crazy?

Two things that drive me crazy are hearing someone say, "That's not my job," and an unwillingness to try something new. Maybe it comes from my theater background, but I've always believed that when you're working toward a common goal, it's all hands-on deck. No matter what your title or position may be, everyone has a role to play in making something successful, and sometimes that means stepping outside your job description. I believe strongly in leading by example. I would never ask someone to do something I wouldn't be willing to do myself. I'll be the first person to arrive, the last to leave, and I'm never afraid to roll up my sleeves and do whatever needs to be done. Nothing is beneath me, and I value that same sense of teamwork, commitment, and ownership in the people I work with.

I'm also a big believer in taking chances and being open to new ideas. Nothing frustrates me more than hearing, "But that's the way we've always done it." Some of the most exciting and successful projects come from being willing to take a risk, challenge the traditional approach, and see what happens. Of course, not every idea is going to work, and that's okay! I'd much rather try something new, learn from the experience, and move forward than miss out on a wonderful opportunity simply because we were afraid to take a chance. To me, great teamwork means everyone is willing to pitch in, and great leadership means leading by example and having the courage to try something that hasn't been done before.

Who inspires you? (it can be anybody you know, or don't know)

My children are two of my greatest inspirations. My son inspires me with his determination to achieve his dreams as he pursues a career as a Marine JAG lawyer while attending law school. My daughter is one of the hardest-working, most driven young women I know. But what inspires me most about her is her genuine desire to make others feel good about themselves. As a teenager, during a particularly difficult time, a stranger complimented her on the sweatshirt she was wearing. That small gesture completely changed her day and taught her how powerful a simple act of kindness can be. Since then, she has made it her mission to offer genuine compliments to people wherever she goes. I love watching strangers' faces light up when she tells them she loves their shoes, earrings, or handbag. It's such a simple gesture, yet the impact is immediate.

My daughter has taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life and leadership: you never know what someone else may be going through, and the smallest act of kindness can make the greatest difference. I try to follow her example every day, whether with my staff, our musicians, or someone I've just met. I'm incredibly proud of both my children, and I feel fortunate that some of my greatest inspiration comes from them.

You're a trailblazer - what are some career highlights to date? (and if any challenges or new directions, please share)

When I look back on my career, some of the accomplishments I'm most proud of are the ones that have allowed me to bring together different parts of my life and create experiences I never could have imagined. One of the most exciting was securing the opportunity for The Orchestra Now to portray the youth orchestra in Bradley Cooper's film Maestro. Having started my own career in television and film, it was incredibly special to bring those two worlds together. Watching our young musicians experience what it was like to be on a major film set, work alongside Bradley Cooper, and perform under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin was thrilling. Knowing that this experience also led to their participation on the film's Grammy Award-winning soundtrack made it even more extraordinary. It was one of those wonderful moments when I could see how an unexpected opportunity could open an entirely new world to our students, giving them an experience they would carry with them throughout their careers.

Another highlight has been the opportunity to executive-produce nine recordings with the orchestra. Recording was an entirely new area for me, and I loved the challenge of learning the process, working with extraordinary artists and production teams, and helping bring these projects to life. There is something incredibly rewarding about creating a recording that will live on long after a performance has ended. Each project has been a learning experience, and I take tremendous pride in knowing that we've helped preserve important music while giving our young musicians valuable professional recording experience.

One of the accomplishments closest to my heart, though, has been creating our collaboration with American Ballet Theatre Studio Company. As a young dancer, I dreamed of one day performing with American Ballet Theatre, so having the opportunity years later to work with its Studio Company Artistic Director, Sascha Radetsky, to develop a partnership between our young musicians and his young dancers has been a dream come true in a way I never expected. What makes this collaboration so meaningful to me is that it isn't simply about putting dancers and musicians together for a performance. It's about creating an environment where these exceptionally talented young artists can learn from one another, understand the demands of each other's art forms, and develop the skills they'll need as professionals. Seeing the dancers and musicians discover how to communicate, listen, and respond to one another is truly wonderful. I'm especially excited that this collaboration will continue again this year.

One of the greatest challenges I face today is securing the financial support needed to continue creating these extraordinary opportunities for our young musicians. Fundraising is a constant challenge throughout the performing arts, and finding the resources to sustain and grow programs like ours requires creativity, persistence, and a great deal of determination. But whenever I think about the doors we've opened, the experiences we've made possible, and the impact we've had on the lives of these young artists, I'm reminded of exactly why this work is worth fighting for. It's what motivates me to keep building relationships, finding new supporters, and sharing our story with people who believe in the importance of the arts.

Words of wisdom or advice...final thoughts, anything else?

"Early is on time, on time is late, and late is never acceptable." Those are words I've always lived by! I've also always believed that there will inevitably be someone who is smarter than you, more talented than you, or has better connections. Those aren't things you can always control. But what you can control is your work ethic, your attitude, and your willingness to give everything you have to whatever you're doing. I've always tried to be the hardest-working person in the room, and I believe that determination, reliability, and a willingness to go the extra mile can open doors you never imagined.

My advice is to create your own opportunities, take chances, and trust your instincts. I especially encourage women pursuing leadership roles not to wait until they feel completely ready or until someone gives them permission to take the next step. Believe in what you bring to the table, advocate for yourself, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Not every risk will pay off, and that's okay. Sometimes the greatest lessons come from the things that didn't go as planned. My own career has taken turns I never could have predicted, and some of those unexpected opportunities have been the most rewarding.

Above all, never underestimate the importance of how you treat people along the way. Work hard, be kind, build meaningful relationships, and remember that success isn't measured solely by what you accomplish for yourself. It's measured by the doors you open for others, the people you help succeed, and the positive impact you leave behind.

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Kristin Roca is an accomplished performing arts executive, creative producer, and passionate advocate for arts education with more than 18 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, artistic programming, fundraising, and organizational development. As Executive Director of The Orchestra Now (TŌN) at Bard College, she has built a career around bringing people together, creating innovative artistic experiences, and opening doors for the next generation of performers. Kristin began her career as a dancer, singer, and actress, working in theater, television, and film before discovering her passion for producing and working behind the scenes. After relocating from Los Angeles to New York's Hudson Valley, she brought her creative and production experience to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, developing her expertise in leadership, fundraising, and organizational management. In 2015, Kristin joined Bard College, supporting the launch of The Orchestra Now and working with the Conservatory's graduate programs. Appointed Executive Director in 2019, she now oversees an approximately $7 million annual budget, a team of 20 staff members, and an international orchestra of graduate musicians. Under her leadership, TŌN has expanded its artistic reach, increased philanthropic support and doubled ticket revenue.

Among her proudest accomplishments is securing TŌN's participation in Bradley Cooper's film Maestro, providing young musicians with the opportunity to work alongside Cooper and conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and participate in the film's Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. She has also executive-produced nine orchestral recordings, developed international partnerships, and created a collaboration with American Ballet Theatre Studio Company and its Artistic Director, Sascha Radetsky, bringing together emerging dancers and musicians for unique professional training experiences.

A passionate advocate for making classical music accessible to all, Kristin is dedicated to engaging new audiences through innovative programming, educational outreach, and creative collaborations. Known for her hands-on leadership, creativity, and ability to bring people together, she believes in honoring classical music’s traditions while embracing its future. in creating opportunities for the next generation of artists.

ton.bard.edu

linkedin.com/in/kristinroca

(published 2026)