People often ask me, “How is the Traverse City Philharmonic doing?”

My answer usually catches them a bit off guard: We’re doing fantastic — and we’re really struggling.

Both statements are true. Artistically, educationally, and in terms of our impact on the community, the Traverse City Philharmonic is thriving. Our orchestra is playing at an extraordinary level. Our Community Music School is serving more students, of more ages, than ever before. And after 73 years, the Philharmonic finally has a home of its own — the TC Phil Center — right in the heart of Traverse City.

Our new MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Hall has quickly proven itself to be something special.

Designed with exceptional acoustics, it has become a vibrant hub for orchestral rehearsals, student instruction, recital performances, and lifelong learning.

The space has also become a regional community resource. Organizations from throughout northern Michigan are now using the hall as a 200-seat venue with outstanding sound, accessibility, and parking — something our region has sorely needed. This is exactly what our board envisioned when the TC Phil Center was conceived: a place where our community gathers to experience great music, robust educational opportunities, and accessible, welcoming cultural programs.

The Community Music School, in particular, has expanded what we are able to offer. We are nurturing the next generation of musicians and concertgoers through youth programs, while also embracing learners at every stage of life —including offerings such as my personal weekly “happy place,” Guitar Club, and our new senior adult band. These programs did not exist at this scale before, and their growth has been nothing short of inspiring.

So yes — on one hand, we are doing great.

On the other hand, the financial landscape for arts organizations has shifted dramatically, and the Traverse City Philharmonic has not been immune. We are being significantly impacted by the loss of state and national funding for the arts, along with reductions from beloved foundations that are meeting increased needs from every corner of our community.

Changes in the state funding landscape — and the denial of state funding applications — have made the financial model on which the TC Phil Center was built far more difficult to sustain. The result is a financial gap that has required careful review of both expenses and revenue, and that continues to affect our operating budget.

At the same time, the TC Phil Center and Community Music School have created unprecedented momentum for the Philharmonic and for northern Michigan’s cultural life.