The Board of Directors at the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (TMYO) is thrilled to announce that it has appointed Michelle Kim-Painter as the orchestra’s new Executive Director.

Kim-Painter is already well known to the TMYO community, having served as a board member in 2022-2023, as well as hands-on with students and conductors as a coach, clinician and adjudicator.

Ms. Kim-Painter brings an expansive background to her role as Executive Director. She is an accomplished performer, a passionate and inspiring educator and a visionary leader. While each of these areas could equally stand alone, the combination of her experience, skills and energy opens an exciting new chapter for the organizations growth and future. “I’ve had the opportunity of exploring Michelle’s vision for our organization’s future. I am truly impressed by her passion, creativity and commitment to nurturing the artistic growth of young musicians” said TMYO Board President Ethan Morency. “Her ability to develop innovative educational programs and forge meaningful partnerships within the community reflect her exceptional leadership qualities and strategic acumen”.

She comes to the Executive Director role concurrently with her role as the Director of Education and Community Engagement for The Florida Orchestra. She has helped strategize their departmental growth and innovation, while overseeing, developing and executing all aspects of diverse education, community organization’s and partnerships, programming initiatives and concerts. “I am delighted that TMYO has appointed Michelle Kim-Painter as the new Executive Director. From working closely with Michelle at The Florida Orchestra, I have seen her passion for music education, her charismatic engagement with young people and her firm belief in the power of music to transform lives. The TFO family looks forward to continuing to support TMYO under Michelle’s leadership”, said Michael Francis, Music Director of The Florida Orchestra.

Ms. Kim-Painter brings a well-rounded background in her own teaching experience. She has worked as an adjunct professor at both The University of South Florida and Columbia University, she has been a Teaching Artist and Orchestra Director for Education Through Music (ETM) in New York City, as well as a Teaching Specialist and Coordinator for the Florida Orchestra prior to her current position as Director of Education and Community Engagement and maintained a successful private violin studio. She is a sought after lecturer, adjudicator and clinician for organizations and educational institutions.

As a performer she has performed internationally as a soloist, a chamber musician, orchestral musician and even rocked the stage with major recording artist including Ed Sheeran, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael Bublé and Disturbed.

Ms. Kim-Painter holds a BM in Violin Performance from The University of South Florida, a MM in Chamber Music Literature from the University of South Florida and a MM in Violin Performance and a Professional Performance Certificate from the University of Massachusetts-Amhurst. She has also completed various training in the Suzuki Violin Method.

“Youth orchestra programs are deeply personal to me and have been critical in my development as an artist, educator, advocate, and human being” said Ms. Kim-Painter. “I am excited and honored to come full circle to lead an organization like the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. TMYO is in a tremendous position to deeply connect with our community while contributing to the vibrant arts landscape of the Tampa Bay Area. I look forward to cultivating impactful and meaningful programming for our promising young folks”.

Please join the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Board of Directors, Conductors and Artistic Staff in welcoming Michelle Kim-Painter as our new Executive Director!

CLICK HERE to read an additional letter from our TMYO Board President Ethan Morency