Our Founder

Dr. Kathryn D. “Cathy” Brownlee

Dr. Kathryn D. “Cathy” Brownlee is the Founder of the New Texas Symphony Orchestra and a Professor of Music at Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus.

She founded the New Texas Symphony Orchestra (NTSO) in 2004 with a twofold vision: to provide amateur and volunteer musicians in Dallas the opportunity to perform in a full orchestral setting, and to share the joy and enhanced quality of life that comes from making music purely for the love of it. Central to her work is a commitment to ensuring that symphonic music is accessible, inclusive, and enriching for all. From the early days of the NTSO, Brownlee championed distinctive repertoire—particularly works by women and composers of color, alongside other lesser-known yet extraordinary pieces. The NTSO provides a vibrant opportunity for musicians and audiences alike to experience the passion, dedication, and artistry that bring great music to life.

Dr. Brownlee served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the NTSO from its beginning through its 21st season in 2025. During her tenure, she was recognized by The American Prize as the 2023 Conducting winner and received second-place recognition in Orchestral Programming. She commissioned multiple works, including an early symphony by local—and now internationally recognized—composer Quinn Mason. She collaborated with a wide range of artists in the Dallas area, including singer Denise Lee, the band Skinny Cooks, multiple Dallas Symphony Orchestra musicians and Dallas College faculty, international pianist Dr. Baya Kakouberi, and Sammons Jazz Artistic Director Arlington Jones. Throughout her career, Dr. Brownlee has remained passionate about creating excitement around music-making and connecting audiences to symphonic music in meaningful and unexpected ways.

As a clinician and adjudicator, Dr. Brownlee served numerous schools throughout the DFW area and was honored to judge the National Strings Competition of the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) in 2023. She currently serves as the Representation and Belonging Officer for the Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus Faculty Association and maintains memberships in the International Conductors Guild, Texas Community College Teachers Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota, the professional music fraternity for women. Her long-standing commitment to volunteer and amateur musicians is reflected in previous artistic leadership roles with Cathedral of Hope UCC, The Women’s Chorus of Dallas, and the Oak Lawn Band.

Dr. Brownlee earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, with a focus on community music and lifelong music-making. She also holds a Master of Music Education and an Artist Certificate in Conducting from The University of Texas at Arlington. She lives with her wife and two miniature schnauzers on their five-acre homestead in southern Dallas County and, in her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, tackling DIY projects, tending the land, and sharing a special bond with Dottie, her John Deere tractor.