Executive directors, youth orchestra staff, education and community engagement staff, board members, musicians, conductors, artistic administrators, marketing staff and anyone interested in nurturing the next generation of artists and leaders.

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Daniel Byon (he/him)
Young Leader Ambassador and Musician, Empire State Youth Orchestra

Daniel is a senior from Guilderland High School and a proud violinist of six years for the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO). As an active member of ESYO’s Young Leaders program, Daniel is on the Ambassador Track, where he represents the organization and shares his musical journey. He also contributes as a Student Social Media Manager and Board Member, helping to shape the orchestra’s future.

Beyond music, Daniel finds joy in sunsets, exploring new boba tea shops, and learning all about the rich lore and universes of various cinematic franchises.

Rebecca Calos (she/her)
Executive Director, Empire State Youth Orchestras

Rebecca Calos currently serves as the Executive Director of the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO). Since taking the helm in 2013, Rebecca has guided the organization through a period of dynamic growth, doubling the operating budget to $1.6M, and expanding program offerings to serve 600 students within a two-hour radius of New York’s Capital Region. To expand access to exceptional music opportunities, Rebecca launched new, introductory ensembles in wind, brass and strings targeting younger players, as well as a free, community-based program called CHIME. Rebecca has increased the organization’s investment reserve fund by 100% to over 2.5 million, and is currently leading an $11M Capital Campaign to secure a permanent home for the organization.

In her present position, Rebecca combines her passion for music with her lifelong commitment to providing enriched educational opportunities for young people. Prior to joining the youth orchestra, Rebecca was the Director of Programs and Training for the Goldie Hawn Foundation, following a successful decades-long teaching career. During her tenure with the Hawn Foundation, Rebecca facilitated the implementation of its brain-based, social and emotional learning program, MindUP, in schools across the U.S. and Asia. The daughter of professional musicians, Rebecca grew up in a musical household where she studied piano and French Horn, and participated in choral All State festivals. Rebecca is a James Madison Fellow and holds a B.A. in history from the University of Vermont and an M.A. in social sciences from The University at Albany, with a concentration in Constitutional studies from Georgetown University.

Megan Delatour (she/her)
Orchestra Director, Talent Unlimited High School and Artistic Director, Interschool Orchestras New York

Megan Delatour began playing the viola at the age of eight. As a violist, she has had the opportunity to study with musicians such as Barry Lehr, Jennifer Arnold, Shelly Tramposh, Gregory Williams, Daniel Philips, Kerry Ryan, and Brett Deubner. Ms. Delatour’s experience includes teaching with InterSchool Orchestras of America and the Harmony Program. As part of Interschool Orchestra’s summer administrative staff, Ms. Delatour created scholarships to increase students’ access to quality music education by auditioning for 15 slots on viola and cello for students of El Sistema programs to participate in ISO on a full ride. She maintains a private viola studio and has sent several students to participate in All State as well as students who pursued summer study at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Ms. Delatour holds a bachelor’s in music education from Queens College and M.M in Music Education with her focus being Culturally Responsive Pedagogy from Boston University. In partnership with Dr. Susan Davis, she will be presenting on culturally responsive concert programming and youth engagement as a part of the NYSSMA Winter Conference 2024. Ms. Delatour is currently the orchestra director of Talent Unlimited High School, Summer Arts Institute, and serves as Artistic Director of Interschool Orchestras of New York.

Debora Kang (she/her)
Director of Education, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensembles

Debora Kang has served as the Director of Education at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra since 2019. Debora is responsible for all aspects of educational programming, Training Programs which includes the Civic Youth Ensembles and Detroit Community Ensembles, Pre-K Programs, Partnerships and Professional Development, while creating an intentional youth driven space and widening access for Detroit youth. During her tenure at the DSO, the Education Department has seen tremendous growth in partnerships with organizations in the Metro Detroit area which has led to sold out Educational Concerts and Increased Civic Youth Ensemble enrollment by 69% since 2021. Debora also serves as co-chair of the Equity Champions, a committee of DSO employees that work collaboratively to create community spaces that honor, center, and advocate for marginalized folx within the DSO.

Debora has worked as an administrator and educator for world renowned institutions such as the New York Philharmonic, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York Youth Symphony and the Marilyn Horne Foundation. She received her Master of Arts at New York University and Bachelor of Arts at Berklee College of Music and the University of Oklahoma. Debora Currently serves on the Youth Orchestra Division Board of the League of American Orchestras.

Suzanne Perrino (she/her)
Senior Vice President, Learning and Engagement, The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Suzanne Perrino is Senior Vice President of Learning and Engagement at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. She is a strong advocate for access to high quality music learning opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Under her leadership, the PSO became a nationally recognized leader in orchestra education programming, cited as such in publications, presentations, and national forums. Under her leadership, the PSO has launched several ‘firsts’ in the industry, including the first fully inclusive Sensory Friendly Program, Music and Wellness, Early Childhood Initiative and Symposium, Entry Points Program, Community Side-By-Side, and the Audience of the Future. During the pandemic shutdown in 2020, she produced virtual educational programs including “Make Time for Music with Fiddlesticks” for preschool audiences, Practice! Practice! Practice! for middle and high school instrumental students, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” digital orchestra video for 143 Kindness Day, virtual “Lift Every Voice” Concert, a “Musical Storytelling” week in collaboration with the Allegheny County Library Association, and an in-patient room six-concert video series for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The Digital Schooltime Concert series continues to be offered online free for educators across the globe with multi-language offerings coming soon. Ms. Perrino has held local, state, and national board positions and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance (Oboe) and Certificate in Music Education (PA, K-12) from Carnegie Mellon University as well as a Master of Arts in Arts Management from American University.

Jennifer Teisinger (she/her)
Executive Director, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra

Jennifer Teisinger began her 20+ year career in orchestra concert operations and music education programs with the San Jose Symphony and San Francisco Symphony. Since 2005, she has led the Sun Valley Music Festival, Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and is now with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra as executive director. Described as a top-notch administrator who is ‘cool under pressure,’ and recognized for her work ethic of unwavering dedication and integrity, Teisinger is a natural strategic planner and problem solver, and enthusiastic fundraiser. Teisinger has a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in music from the Rice University Shepherd School of Music both in oboe performance. She has served on the youth orchestra division board of the League of American Orchestras as well as on the boards of the San Jose Youth Symphony, the Pioneer Montessori School (Ketchum, Idaho), and the fundraising committee for the Lincoln High School band (Sioux Falls).