This is the ninth installment of a new series that will highlight the Music for All staff members who work behind-the-scenes to make all of the positively life-changing experiences happen! Get to know each of our amazing staff members, as we learn more about who they are and what they do at Music for All. A new post will be featured every week!

 Nancy Carlson header

Name/Job Title: Nancy Carlson, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

How long have you been with Music for All?
9 years

What is your favorite event at Music for All and why?
I love Summer Symposium because I know how important summer camp was for me growing up, and it’s amazing to help create similar experiences for a new group of students every year. Summer camp and I go way back – from being a camper, to a camp counselor, to one especially fun summer as an intern with the camp drama troupe.

What has been your favorite part of working at Music for All?
When my kids were growing up, I loved volunteering to help with their band, orchestra, and choir programs at school. Now that they are all grown up, working at Music for All gives me a chance to keep being a music booster for life. Better yet, I get to work every day with an incredibly dedicated group of colleagues who believe in the power of music to change lives for the better.

Do you have a favorite memory of working an event with Music for All?
I’ll never forget the year we had a special fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy victims during Grand Nationals. The students who volunteered to go through the stands to collect donations were so excited to help – they came back and begged to go out for a second round. The willingness of these volunteers and all the folks in the crowd to give back to those in need really reminded me of why we do what we do.

What is your musical background?
I was in choir in school and also struggled through five years of piano lessons. I can still play a little, at least with my right hand…

What do you like to do in your free time?
Long hikes, reading, yoga, attending concerts, plays, movies, and cooking.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that.” Albus Dumbledore

What’s a show you’ve binge watched recently?
“Mozart in the Jungle”, “The Great British Baking Show”, and “Call the Midwife”.

Favorite movie not many people have seen?
“De-Lovely”, a biopic about Cole Porter, starring Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd.