Administrative Staff | South Dakota Symphony Orchestra

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

jennifer.teisinger@sdsymphony.org | (605) 335-7933 ext. 7

Jennifer Teisinger began her 20+ year career in orchestra concert operations and music education programs with the San Jose Symphony and San Francisco Symphony. Since 2005, she has led the Sun Valley Music Festival, Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and South Dakota Symphony Orchestra as executive director. Described as a top-notch administrator who is 'cool under pressure,' and recognized for her work ethic of unwavering dedication and integrity, Teisinger is a natural strategic planner and problem solver, and enthusiastic fundraiser. Teisinger has a bachelor's degree in music from the University of North Texas and a master's degree in music from the Rice University Shepherd School of Music both in oboe performance. She has served on the youth orchestra division board of the League of American Orchestras as well as on the boards of the San Jose Youth Symphony, the Pioneer Montessori School (Ketchum, Idaho), and the fundraising committee for the Lincoln High School band (Sioux Falls).

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Dr. Brad Berens

brad.berens@sdsymphony.org | (605) 335-7933 ext. 3

Brad Berens has extensive experience in instrumental music teaching and performance. Dr. Berens obtained a double Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northern State University followed by a Master's in Music Education degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. After serving 16 years in the classroom he earned his Specialist Degree in School Administration and a Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of South Dakota. Dr. Berens held administrative posts as a principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent over a span of 18 years.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Meg Hentges

meg.hentges@sdsymphony.org | (605) 480-2147

Meg Hentges is a seasoned fundraising professional, born and raised in the southeastern part of South Dakota. Since 2005, Meg has worked in non-profit administration and fundraising, earning her Certified Fund Raising Executive certification in 2022. Her experience includes strategic planning, capital campaigns, legacy giving, annual fund initiatives, and event management. At her core, Meg is a communicator and relationship builder with a deep affinity for arts and culture in South Dakota and beyond.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Breanna Demontigny

breanna.demontigny@sdsymphony.org | (605) 335-7933 ext. 4

Breanna DeMontigny earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Montana in Studio Art, and her Master’s degree in Arts Management at the University of Oregon. During her time in the Pacific Northwest, she worked in the Development and Event Services departments at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, acted as the conference coordinator for the Northwest Arts Integration Conference, and helped plan professional development programming for arts administrators as a member of the Americans for the Arts’ Emerging Leaders Network. Her interest in development focuses on donor and community engagement, event planning and being an advocate for the vibrant Sioux Falls artistic community.

DEVELOPMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Emily Anderson

emily.anderson@sdsymphony.org | (605) 335-7933 ext. 9

Emily Anderson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Sexuality in Art from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has spent most of her time at museums – including the Minnesota Children’s Museum as a Maker-Space intern and the Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee as a foundry intern. Her passion for community engagement in the arts led her to working as a foundry lead and teaching artist with Flux Casting Access. Her artistic practice focuses on sculpture, fiber, and metal casting and her work explores feminine expression.

CONCERT OPERATIONS & YOUTH ORCHESTRA MANAGER

Connor Gibbs

connor.gibbs@sdsymphony.org| (605) 335-7933 ext. 6

Connor Gibbs is a composer, music educator, and singer originally from Western Massachusetts. He studied voice at Wagner College and taught high school choral music for three years in urban Springfield, Massachusetts before focusing on composition. Connor’s music has been performed in over nine states and six European countries and is often influenced by the universe or human interactions. Recently, he has organized chamber music concert series in rural communities in Ohio to introduce unfamiliar and/or contemporary repertoire to new audiences. Outside of music, Connor is passionate about traveling and exploring nature.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Jeff Larsen

jeff.larsen@sdsymphony.org | (605) 335-7933 ext. 8

Jeff Larsen earned his Bachelor of Arts from Augustana University in Theatre and Philosophy, and his Master of Fine Arts in Directing at the University of South Dakota. His background in the arts includes working in the greater Sioux Falls area as a director, actor, designer, and producer, as well as having sung in choirs and volunteered with various arts organizations. Serving as an instructor and adjunct professor of theatre, his mission is to inspire a passion for the arts in the community, and the next generation, in a fun and engaging manner.

MARKETING MANAGER

Brandy Hartman

brandy.hartman@sdsymphony.org | (605) 335-7933 ext. 5

Brandy Hartman attended Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE, obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Music Business. From there she transferred to Wayne State College in Wayne, NE, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Mass Media. After graduation, Brandy would soon start her career in radio broadcasting as an On-Air Personality and Promotions Coordinator. She made her way to Sioux Falls for an opportunity as an Entertainment Coordinator and District Event Marketing Manager.