Debi Peña on 25 years with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

How did you get started with the DSO and how did your role evolve over your 25 year-tenure?

I started as an HR Manager, and at the time, it was just me and one part-time staff member handling benefits. Over time, that role expanded into a director-level position, and I began attending more senior team meetings.

Fred Bronstein was the President and CEO then, and he constantly gave me new projects. That became one of the most interesting parts of my job. I loved getting to take on tasks that weren’t in my job description, learning from them, meeting new people and constantly growing. This led me to take on more, eventually getting involved with facilities and operations of the Meyerson Symphony Center. I think what kept me here so long was how the position constantly evolved over the years.

Did you have any kind of musical background before starting at the DSO? 

I played the piano when I was little, but nothing compared to the music we play at the DSO. My degree is in business, and my background is in HR. I have certifications in HR, and I love HR. But my family was all in construction, so I knew a lot about buildings and the things that needed to be repaired and how that worked, which turned out to be incredibly helpful.

Still, I have learned a lot about music. I’ve learned which composers I really love and which ones I’m not as fond of. The music has been something I really enjoy, especially hearing the players and seeing how deeply it affects people. The music we play really makes a difference in people’s lives, and I think people that haven’t given it a chance are really missing out!

What’s something people may not realize about the DSO or the Meyerson? What’s a project or accomplishment you’re most proud of from your time with us?

I think people would be surprised by how much goes on, both inside the building and out in the community. I remember when we first started the Young Musicians program, and we were out in libraries, trying to recruit students for the program. And now, seeing what they’ve accomplished and seeing them on stage is just so remarkable. We’ve also continued going out to hospitals, presenting free Parks concerts for the community, and building strong relationships like the one we have with the Mexican Consulate.

And then there’s the Meyerson. I’m proud of what we’ve done from overdue repairs to an extensive seating project with Morton Meyerson. We had to use a specific cushion and fabric with mohair, and we sent test chairs to an acoustical testing laboratory in Austin to make sure they were going to have the same acoustical value that the old ones did. It was such an interesting project and something I enjoyed learning about.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the arts or nonprofit world?

Don’t just look at something as your job. Success comes through learning all you can, and that sometimes means taking on things that aren’t yours and even sometimes the things that no one else wants to do. If you can help someone else and find a way to work together as a team, you should always do that. Education and continued growth will be important to your whole career.

What are you looking forward to in retirement? Are you looking forward to attending DSO concerts as a patron?

I’m looking forward to having the time to be free to do… whatever I want! I want to spend more time with my grandkids and with my husband, Darren. I’ll also be working as a liaison for my son’s Army company, which I’m excited about because I think it’s worthwhile work. And I love landscaping. I’ve done a few yards for friends and would love to spend more time on that as a hobby.

That said, I don’t know if I can come to the DSO and not work, even after retirement. You know, that’s just who I am. But I definitely have bookmarked some concerts next season. I’m really looking forward to Dvořák and Korngold, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Dolly Parton’s Threads and La Vida Loca. And then my husband will love Icons of the Strip. I really think next season is going to be a lot of fun.