Welcome to the Cobb Symphony Orchestra (CSO)

Brian Hermanson serves as Executive Director of the Cobb Symphony Orchestra (CSO), one of the most versatile arts organizations in the southeast. He has a passion for music, which he shares with his community and helps him embrace his responsibility of leading the CSO to be a vigorous part of the cultural fabric of the region while striving to expand its reach both locally and nationally.

As Executive Director, Mr. Hermanson is responsible for creating a supportive environment in which the CSO and its audiences may flourish. He aims to provide the greater Cobb community with a world-class symphony orchestra. This pursuit includes fundraising opportunities, artistic transitions, collaborative partnerships and the creation of community outreach programs.

Mr. Hermanson is currently an advisor for Kennesaw State University’s School of Music, serves on the advisory board for Hickory Hills Elementary, a charter music school in the city of Marietta, the advisory board of The Georgian Club, and serves as a community representative for Eagle Scout Board of Reviews, in addition to being an active member of Optimists International. Mr. Hermanson was a founding force in the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO), of which he served as Executive Director until bringing the CSO and GYSO together in June of 2007. He continues to initiate many musical outreach and developmental programs through the Cobb Symphony Orchestra that foster musical talents and inspire youth throughout the greater Cobb community.

Prior to joining the CSO, Mr. Hermanson served as Director of After-School Programs for Crockett Charter Elementary, a first-ward charter music school in Houston, Texas. During his tenure there he oversaw a $250,000 budget; designed and developed education projects; implemented organizational long-range planning; received two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts; and won Oprah Winfrey’s Wildest Dreams Competition. Before joining Crockett Elementary, Mr. Hermanson was a founding member of the Cerulean Wind Quintet, which was recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts for it's progressive work in musical enrichment for underprivileged children, and was founder of Hermanson Reeds. Mr. Hermanson currently lives in Atlanta with his wife, Alice Ann, and their two cats TJ and Romy.

A trained musician, Mr. Hermanson received his BM in clarinet performance from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester, Rochester, New York), as well as receiving Eastman’s highest performance honor, a Performer’s Certificate. In addition to formal studies at the Eastman School of Music, Mr. Hermanson received advanced training at the Shepherd School of Music (Rice University, Houston, Texas). Mr. Hermanson has been an artist at such festivals as the Sarasota Summer Music Festival, Chautauqua Summer Music Festival, Colorado Summer Music Festival, and on tour throughout Europe. Mr. Hermanson has also recorded music for the Nonesuch and Oxford University Press labels.