The People of TSO

Who We Are

From the podium to the stage, the office to the boardroom— TSO is powered by people. Our music director, musicians, staff, and board members each bring their own passion, talent, and commitment to creating extraordinary performances and meaningful connections throughout West Alabama. Meet the individuals who make the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra not only possible, but exceptional.

The Musicians

The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble composed of acclaimed artists from across the Southeast. Our musicians include award-winning performers, recording artists, and seasoned orchestral professionals who bring world-class artistry to the stage—many of whom also serve as respected educators and leaders in the region’s musical landscape.

Interested in joining the orchestra? Audition inquiries may be directed to David Bradley our Operations Manager.

tso orchestra

Violin

Viola

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Bassoon

Cello

Bass

Horn

Trumpet

Trombone

Tuba

Percussion

Timpani

The Music Director

After Adam Flatt made his TSO debut in April of 2011 with works of Ravel, Glazunov and Tchaikovsky he was immediately invited to become the Symphony’s sixth music director, marking the end of a search that began with more than 150 candidates. His first performance as Music Director came a few months later at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater with the TSO and the band Alabama in a sold-out benefit performance for Tuscaloosa tornado relief. Adam’s eventful first season culminated with the “Tuscaloosa Remembers and Rebuilds” concert. His commitment to broadening the reach and deepening the local roots of the TSO was reflected in the TSO’s first musical collaborations with the UA Opera Theater and the Alabama Choir School, as well as with Alabama composers and soloists.

Adam enjoys a very busy career that reflects his musical versatility. In addition to the Tuscaloosa community, Adam devotes himself to the Oregon coast where he is Music Director of the Newport Symphony, and to his base in Denver where he holds the same position with the Colorado Ballet. As time allows, he is also a guest conductor for many symphony orchestras, opera and ballet companies across the United States. He has appeared with the major orchestras of Dallas, Houston and Saint Louis as well as dozens of regional ensembles.

An inspiring leader of talented young musicians, Adam serves on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music’s Summerfest and the Rocky Ridge Music Center. Previously, he served an acclaimed seven-year tenure at the helm of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, one of American’s finest youth orchestras. In Germany he recently was also in residency with the Landes-Jugend-Sinfonie-Orchester Saar. Adam brings not only musicianship but a tireless artistic advocacy and engaging stage presence everywhere he works.
Adam’s professional career began as Apprentice Conductor of the Oregon Symphony. Marin Alsop invited Adam to come next to the Colorado Symphony as Associate Conductor, where he led over 250 performances in a successful five-year tenure.
A native of Sacramento, California, Adam has his bachelor’s degree in music with honors from the University of California at Berkeley, and his master’s in conducting from the Indiana University School of Music. He also studied in Austria, in Germany, and at the Aspen Music Festival. He lives in Denver with his wife Jenny and son Edgar.

TSO Staff

natassia

Natassia Perrine

Executive Director

Natassia is a graduate of the University of Alabama with two bachelor degrees in Advertising and Vocal Performance and a Master of Arts in Music Education. This fall she will begin her MBA in Arts Innovation with the Global Leadership Institute.

Her career in music administration began in 2008 at the Metropolitan Opera Guild in New York City and later developed into an 11 year music education career that started right here in Tuscaloosa. With a background in music, education, and marketing, Natassia brings a blend of strategic thinking and creative passion to her work, striving to make symphonic music more approachable without sacrificing its prestige.

During her time at TSO, Natassia has led key initiatives including a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, increased financial support, and expanded TSO’s education offerings and reach. Her dedication to community-building is personal as well as professional—driven by a belief in the arts as a powerful force for connection, enrichment, and societal impact.

david

David Bradley

Operations and Personnel Manager

David began playing with the Tuscaloosa Symphony as 2nd horn in 2006, then in 2011 as their librarian, and took on the position as operations manager in 2013. A native of Birmingham Alabama, David began his musical training in horn performance in 2002 receiving a full scholarship from the University of Alabama under the direction of Charles Snead earning his bachelor’s degree in 2006, and his master’s degree in 2008. Throughout his collegiate career David won competitions such as the South East Horn Workshop’s horn quartet competition in 2006, runner up for the Pershing’s Own Band in 2007 and won a position with the Army Field Band in 2008.

David has played with many orchestras including the Huntsville Symphony, Jackson Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony all the while holding positions as associate principal horn in the Tuscaloosa Symphony, 2nd horn with the Savannah Philharmonic, and most notably principal horn in the Atlanta Opera. He can also be heard on several recordings including “Harambee, Horn Music of Paul Basler” as well as “The Steve Sample Legacy Project”.

Mallory_Harrison_Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra

Mallory Harrison

Audience and Administrative Manager

Mallory Harrison is the Audience and Administrative Manager and librarian for the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, where she plays a central role in shaping both the organization’s public presence and its internal operations. In this position, she oversees audience engagement, coordinates front of house communications and concert logistics, handles a wide range of administrative operations, and manages the orchestra’s music library.

In addition to her administrative leadership, Mallory is an active performer and educator. She is a doctoral flute student at the University of Alabama, studying with Dr. Diane Boyd Schultz, and performs with the Huxford Symphony Orchestra and Wind Quintet. She also serves on the faculties of Miles College and Huntingdon College, where she teaches applied flute.

shannon

Shannon Judd

Executive Assistant

Shannon Judd keeps the Symphony humming behind the scenes. As Executive Assistant, she’s the calm center of a very busy universe—triaging the inbox, coordinating timelines, supporting the board, and ensuring rehearsals, concerts, and community events feel seamless for artists and audiences alike. Her hallmark is pairing meticulous organization with genuine hospitality, so every patron, partner, and musician feels seen and cared for. 

She brings a 25-year career in education to the role—experience that shows up in the way she builds relationships, anticipates needs, and turns big ideas into polished, on-time outcomes. From classroom collaboration to family engagement and community partnerships, Shannon’s “can-do” spirit and educator’s heart translate effortlessly from the schoolhouse to the concert hall. She speaks the language of learners and leaders alike, helping the Symphony connect more deeply with students, parents, and civic partners across West Alabama. 

leslie-sheppard

Leslie Sheppard

Stage Manager

tory-ezell

Tory Ezell

Stage Crew

Board of Directors

 The TSO Board of Directors is made up of members of the West Alabama community with diverse professions and a shared interest and love for the arts. The Board steers, supports and leads the Symphony in order to maintain an ensemble of the highest quality and to enrich the community of West Alabama.

2026 - 2027 New Board Members

Taylor Jenkins, New Member
Taylor Jenkins
JR Poe, New Member
J.R. Poe
Harry Shumaker, New Member
Harry Shumaker

Executive Officers

Alex Smith

President

Carrie Fitts

President Elect

Rebecca Knockemus

Vice President

Bill Petty

Treasurer

Claire Wilburn

Secretary

John Lochman

Rep at Large

Kathy Yarbrough

Rep at Large

Colonel Duane Lamb

Past President

Skip Snead

School of Music Liaison

Members

Tiffany Amirkhanian
Donna Boles
Jo Ann Cook
Ian Crawford
Regina Harrell
Alan Hartley
Schnavia Hatcher
Robert Hayes
Taylor Jenkins
Jim Jolly
Quin Kelly
James E. King, Jr.
Donna Lamb
April Lane
John Lochman
Tricia McElroy
JR Poe
Katelyn Reed
Richard Rush
West Schmitt
Harry Shumaker
Lonnie Strickland
André Taylor
Agatha Wade
Kevin Whitaker
Jill White
April Woodis
Kathy Yarbrough

Lifetime Honorary Members

*Deceased

All of these leaders bring a strong commitment to our community and a belief in the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and strengthen Tuscaloosa. We are grateful for their willingness to serve as TSO continues growing its concerts, education programs, and community partnerships across West Alabama.

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