Our Interview with Paula Martinez Marrugo

We were so excited to sit down with Paula Martinez Marrugo, a Colombian native and trained Bassoonist who was awarded our 2021-22 Freeman Fellowship in Administration. Through this interview she shares with us how she combined her passion for music and business with her desire to help shape the future of America's youth. Enjoy!

Paula, how has it been for you to complete your first year as a Chicago Sinfonietta Freeman Fellow? 

Coming to Chicago to work with such a powerful and inclusive organization has been a dream come true. Expanding the availability of music and classical concerts to all kinds of audiences from an off-stage day to day work effort is something I feel passionate about, and I owe most of this genuine passion to my work with Chicago Sinfonietta. From learning about marketing, event planning, fundraising activities, and education strategies, to feeling ready to expand my horizons and contribute my individual efforts and skills to facilitate the accessibility of music education and classical concerts to all kind of diverse and underserved communities, this year has been incredibly productive and both professionally and personally fulfilling.  

You are a professional musician yourself and have performed in orchestras before. How different has it been to explore the administrative side of non-profit music organizations and being off the stage? 

Growing up learning how to play my instrument, I always thought I wanted to be an orchestral musician and I wanted to play my instrument for a living. However, after being on the off-stage scene, and serving in a team of amazing facilitators who use their skills to make what happens on the stage impactful for a community, I know this is the side I want to be on now. I will always love playing my bassoon, and my mornings will always start with classical music. However, my job now is to use my experience and skills as a musician, administrator and as a teacher, to continue to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in music. It is my goal to continue making efforts so that music education and cultural richness are seen as necessary, especially in those communities that could really use a positive external factor such as music to fight against so many other factors that will not contribute to their growth.  

What is something that you think makes Chicago Sinfonietta different from other orchestras in the nation? 

As stated in their mission, Chicago Sinfonietta champions diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating community through bold symphonic experiences. While these words do sound and look empowering, it is not until you actually attend one of Sinfonietta’s concerts that you internalize their mission, and realize that they are not just words, this organization is actions. Going to a Sinfonietta concert is like traveling around diverse cultures. The audience is always full of people of all origins, all colors, all beliefs, and all socio-economic statuses. You can always find someone that looks like you in the audience, and most likely on the stage as well. On top of that, Sinfonietta’s repertoire always includes the work of diverse composers and performers. As a Latino myself, I value tremendously the fact that music composed by Latino composers is often performed on the stage and is highly enjoyed by the audience. So, I would say that this is what makes and will always make Sinfonietta stand out.  

What other activities have you been involved in during your time in Chicago? 

Chicago and its wonderful community have brought amazing experiences to my life. Besides working with Chicago Sinfonietta, I have been a part of The People’s Music School staff and faculty. I have been able to work closely with families from underserved and segregated communities, helping to share the many benefits of free early-age music education. Being a music teacher is also something that holds a special place in my heart. I have found immense joy in teaching music to these kids, who find in music a very productive way to spend their afternoons, and a powerful tool to improve not only their cognitive but their mental and personal health. Also, the many Hispanic families I work with in my role as program coordinator at the school have seen in me a representation of them, and this is just another reason of why I love and enjoy working with non-profit music organizations.  

Tell us, what is next for you, Paula? 

I am extremely excited to say that I will continue working with Chicago Sinfonietta, now with new and bigger challenges and goals! I am looking forward to continuing this journey and working to the best of my ability to help make their impact a broader one. On top of this, I will be starting a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Roosevelt University as one of the Heller College of Business’ graduate assistants. I cannot wait to start this journey and to  be able to combine my two passions, music and business administration, to benefit those who need it the most. 

What would you say to those young diverse arts administrators and musicians trying to build up a career in this field? 

DREAM! That is my biggest advice. I believe that having dreams is the first step toward finding success. If you already know what you are passionate about, then dream and work hard for those dreams. Many people talk about talent, especially in this field. While I do think talent is important, I believe that discipline will take you to big places. So, take risks, meet people, show your genuine self, work hard, find a learning opportunity in everything you do, use your abilities to help others, and everything you dream of will become reality.  

 Thank you, Paula! It was great chatting with you!