Murphy is based today in Richfield, Minnesota, moonlighting as a pit-orchestra pianist and ensemble bassoonist. Just before her first day at Applegate, a Monday in November 2023, she attended a Friday-night rehearsal with the Richfield Community Band. “I joke that Hormel is my day job, and then in the evenings and weekends I have music going on, that’s my second job,” Murphy said.
Between working for Hormel Foods and pursuing her passion for music, she’s found an ideal balance: “It’s about having something outside of work to look forward to and getting involved in the community. I’m fortunate that everywhere I’ve lived, I’ve been able to do that with music.”
Embracing New Horizons
Community immersion comes naturally to Murphy, something evident not only to her fellow musicians, but also to her colleagues at Hormel Foods.
“Audrey has a unique ability to blend into any environment,” said Anna Breard, food safety and quality manager at Applegate. “She’s not just working in a new city; she’s actively finding ways to engage with the people around her, whether through food safety or music. She’s an example of how someone can manage both their career and their passions in such an enriching way.”
For Murphy, balancing her career with her musical pursuits leaves her feeling grounded and fulfilled. She thrives on the structure that comes with managing both worlds, even when it means hopping straight from one to the other.
“When the workday ends, I’m usually heading straight to rehearsal or band practice,” said Murphy, a 2018 graduate of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSBSJU), where she majored in both food science and piano performance. Murphy also played bassoon in the CSBSJU orchestra. She continues to play both.
Though their calendars may be packed, Audrey and Sean both understand that the time they carve out for one another is crucial to making everything else work.
“Watching Audrey do her thing both professionally and with music is amazing,” said Sean. “She’s so dedicated and talented, and it’s inspiring to see her balance her career and passion with such grace. It speaks volumes about her work ethic, creativity, and resilience. I love supporting her and seeing her thrive, just like she supports me in my endeavors. We’re both invested in each other’s success and that makes the chaos worth it.”
“He’s my rock,” said Audrey. “Whether it’s helping with logistics or just being there to cheer me on, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everything without his support.”
At Hormel Foods, I feel like I have the freedom to be the best version of myself, both at work and outside of it.
Audrey Murphy
Murphy credits much of her success to the way Hormel Foods values its team members’ overall well-being. With the flexibility to manage her professional responsibilities while pursuing her musical passions, she feels empowered to dedicate herself fully to both.
“It’s a rare thing to find a company that not only understands your career ambitions but also supports your personal passions,” Murphy said. “At Hormel Foods, I feel like I have the freedom to be the best version of myself, both at work and outside of it.”