The Phoenix Symphony is excited to announce we are upgrading to a new, easy-to-use ticketing system. During this transition, our TICKETING SYSTEM IS DOWN September 11, 12, 13, and 14. Our new ticketing system will be live on September 15. Sorry for any inconvenience. Feel free to browse our performances in the meantime.

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Arcadia News: Meet Mrs. Tammy Rocker

By Ray Artigue

 

Sometimes, life – or maybe it’s fate – unfolds in a way that produces coincidences. For example, if your last name is Rocker, it might be no surprise that your occupation has something to do with stage performances. 

But Tammy Rocker’s musical genre differs from what you might think – she prefers Beethoven’s 5th to Guns N’ Roses.

Rocker is Phoenix Symphony’s new senior vice president and chief advancement officer. She rejoins the company after successful stints at the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association. 

She brings an impressive professional leadership and fundraising resume, including organizing and leading multimillion-dollar development campaigns. 

“We are thrilled that Tammy has returned to the Phoenix Symphony at such an important time in our history,” Peter Kjome, president and CEO, said. “Her leadership abilities, extensive experience, and relationships with community leaders will help us advance our great orchestra.” 

Rocker quickly points out the differences between cultivating financial support for lifesaving health organizations and cultural offerings.

“With the arts, you must find a person’s passion for such things, which is far different from someone supporting an organization that may have saved a loved one. After all, most everyone has been impacted by someone they know with heart disease,” she said. “This is an exciting time to return to the Phoenix Symphony, and I look forward to working with everyone there and supporting the programs that enrich the lives of thousands in our community.”

Rocker said that the company performs away from Symphony Hall in various locations, including art centers, schools, and churches. She is passionate about a symphony orchestra’s role in the community. 

“The arts are so essential. In addition to improving the quality of life, they play an economic development role by attracting certain businesses,” she said. 

Rocker and her husband, Jim, moved to the Valley from Los Angeles in 2015. They have five grown sons and two grandchildren but are far from empty-nesters. Their house is abuzz with their three chihuahuas, Kirby, Lady Bug, and Mr. Wooderson. 

“They are the most important residents of the house, and they know it,” Rocker laughed. “Arcadia is such a family-friendly neighborhood – you can walk your dogs, wave at neighbors, and know that everyone watches out for one another.” 

In her free time, Rocker and her husband break out their beach cruisers and traverse the neighborhood. Their favorite getaway is to Pine, where they have a cabin. She also loves to tend to her backyard garden, discover estate sales, and go antiquing. Her bucket list is overflowing with overseas travel, including trips to Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy one day. 

Asked what she would say to someone who has never been to the Phoenix Symphony, Rocker said, “This season is going to be absolutely magical – come and see for yourself.” 

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Happy International
STEM Education Day!

Join us in supporting the Phoenix Symphony and our Mind Over Music®️️ program, an innovative teaching initiative that brings Symphony musicians into classrooms to co-teach alongside teachers. By pairing the arts with STEM education, Mind Over Music®️️ provides students with a unique, hands-on learning experience that bridges music and science. Our musicians bring real-world expertise to support classroom learning, sparking curiosity and strengthening STEM understanding through the universal language of music. Support this vital program today and help inspire the next generation of innovators!