Melissa Ellis Speaks On Bryan Symphony Orchestra With Mark Creter

Loading player...
Mark Creter sits down with Melissa Ellis, Development Director for the Upper Cumberland’s own Bryan Symphony Orchestra—the only professional orchestra in rural Tennessee. Melissa’s passion for music began at age 15 when she joined the Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, and later studied music therapy at Tennessee Tech before working as a jazz artist until 2020. She became an 11-time nominee for the international Josie Music Awards (recently nominated again), while leading all fundraising and networking efforts for the orchestra. Plus, she discusses the troupe’s upcoming concert season and shares insights on balancing her music-driven career with raising four children.

Listen To The Scene Podcast Today!
27 Jul 2025 English United States Arts · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Jennifer Clark Joins Mark Creter To Highlight The Benefits Of Following Your Passion

Mark Creter sits down with Jennifer Clark for an inspiring conversation about following an unexpected path from a 20-year nursing career to becoming one of the Upper Cumberland's sought-after photographers. Jennifer shares how a simple passion for capturing family memories grew into a thriving business documenting weddings, newborns, families, and…
20 Sep 15 min

Mac McFadden Joins Mark Creter To Discuss Jester Of Jewels Success

For this episode of The Scene podcast, Mark Creter welcomes Mack McFadden, founder of Jester of Jewels, for a fascinating conversation about transforming sterling silver, gemstones, and imagination into one-of-a-kind wearable works of art. Mack shares how a lifelong fascination with "shiny things," a background in metal fabrication, and a…
13 Sep 15 min

Devin Barinowsky Joins Mark Creter To Shine A Light On The Art In Bloom Fundraiser

Devin Barinowsky joins Mark Creter to discuss Art in Bloom, an exciting new fundraiser designed to celebrate creativity while supporting the artists, programs, and organizations that make the Upper Cumberland's vibrant arts community flourish. The conversation explores how this unique event will combine live artist demonstrations, music, flowers, and community…
6 Sep 15 min

Tristessa Luetkemeyer Joins Mark Creter To Highlight Inspiring Creativity

For nearly two decades, Tristessa Luetkemeyer has inspired young artists to discover their creativity while continuing to grow as an artist herself. In this conversation with Mark Creter, she shares how a lifetime surrounded by art led to a rewarding career in education, the importance of introducing students to a…
30 Aug 15 min

Lucien Ivan Crowe Speaks With Mark Creter On His Debut Book

During this edition of The Scene podcast, Mark Creter welcomes debut author Lucien Ivan Crowe for a thoughtful conversation about storytelling, faith, and the deeply personal journey behind his novel Evan's Broken Believer. Drawing from his own experiences and reflections, Lucien discusses how writing became an outlet for exploring life's…
23 Aug 16 min