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April O’Brien, a Millersville University alumna, has built a career that bridges her love of music, education, and community. Today, she serves as director of annual giving for The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the nation’s leading performing arts institutions.
O’Brien’s connection to Millersville began with her studies in both music education and German. Those disciplines, she says, shaped her creation of meaningful connections: “I received incredible support from the history, German and music departments at Millersville University, where I was encouraged to pursue my passions, explore how my majors intersected, and continue researching my areas of interest. At the heart of it all is connection—something those early studies helped me discover.”
After graduating in 2004, O’Brien moved to Washington, D.C., where she interned at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum alongside the museum’s musicologist. The experience proved to be rewarding, a combination of her academic interests in music and history. She says, “I received support from mentors in both departments to explore music of the Holocaust, culminating in a recital that opened the annual Millersville University Conference of the Holocaust.” Post internship, O’Brien taught high school German, transitioned to Philadelphia nonprofit and museum sectors to focus on development and fundraising, and ambitiously earned a master’s degree in arts administration from Drexel University.
Even as her professional focus shifted toward administration, music remained a defining part of her life. O’Brien performed with the Philadelphia Singers Chorale, sharing the stage with The Philadelphia Orchestra. She also helps to secure the funding for The Philadelphia Orchestra that keeps the ensemble’s signature “Philadelphia Sound” thriving. As director of annual giving, she oversees donor engagement and connects with supporters.
Dr. Micheal Houlahan, professor and chair of the Tell School of Music at Millersville, recently reconnected with O’Brien at the Orchestra’s opening night. “April’s career reflects the depth of Millersville’s music program and how its graduates continue to impact the arts on a global scale” Houlahan says.
O’Brien recognizes Millersville as laying the foundation for her success, particularly through the University’s rigorous music theory and solfege courses. She says, “Their rigorous and immersive curriculum based on the Kodály method was transformative for me; by the time I graduated from college, I was a well-trained and confident sight-singer, theorist and ear trainer.”
She remains grateful to faculty mentors such as Houlahan and Dr. Philip Tacka, professor of music, for shaping her musical and professional path. She says, “Dr. Houlahan and Dr. Tacka are two of the most influential and impactful teachers I have ever had. I credit Drs. Houlahan and Tacka with teaching their students the definition of perseverance and immersion. I cannot recommend this program enough for students who are eager to pursue a music career that will be life-changing and eye-opening.”
From her days as a student in the Tell School of Music to her role within one of the world’s most celebrated orchestras, O’Brien’s journey exemplifies the lasting impact of a Millersville education and the many ways alumni continue to bring art and community together. She summarizes her experience: “My time at Millersville stands out as a special moment in my life that continues to inspire me today.”
