Photographer: André Peele
Erik Shinn joined The Florida Orchestra as Director of Artistic Operations in May of 2024. An active arts administrator with a passion for operations and artistic planning, he has previously held positions with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, York Symphony Orchestra, Music Academy of the West, Brevard Music Center, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. In Florida, Erik directs production for all performances including logistics, budgeting, and scheduling. He also collaborates with senior staff, board, and musicians on setting and implementing artistic goals and strategy and promoting positive relationships between the groups. As the head of artistic operations, Erik manages the department’s teams (personnel, operations, library, stage management), and oversees compliance with the TFO’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
A two-time resident of the Sunshine State, Erik previously served as Adjunct Instructor of Trombone at the University of Florida, won contract positions as the bass trombonist with the Gainesville and Ocala Symphony Orchestras, and performed with others throughout the state. Erik's research interests are centered on trombone literature and include the Collegiate Commissions Project, and treatise An Annotated Bibliography of Works for Solo Bass Trombone and Wind Band.
As an arranger, Erik has adapted works for a variety of ensembles, specializing in trombone choir and mixed low brass, with recent premieres on the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Craft Music series and Patriotic Pops concert. His arrangements have been commissioned and performed by professional symphony orchestras, university ensembles, and at summer festivals and workshops.
Erik earned the Doctor of Music degree from Florida State University, a Master of Music from Baylor University, and Bachelor of Music Education from the Pennsylvania State University. Erik is a member of the League of American Orchestras and an alumnus of the League’s Essentials of Orchestra Management program.