Virtual Peer Forums

Virtual Peer Forums are peer-to-peer conversations led by a facilitator and designed to connect you with your counterparts at other orchestras and ensembles in the ACSO membership network. This is a space to discuss working during times of transition, to exchange ideas, to ask questions, to share challenges, and to offer practices that have worked well (or not) for you and your organization. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to strengthen your professional networks and find colleagues to rely on for support.

VPFs are complimentary for members and $10 for not-yet-members. Registration is required. We limit the groups to 20 participants to maximize conversation and allow everyone to participate.

Email [email protected] with questions or registration assistance.

FALL 2021 PEER FORUMS

The following Virtual Peer Forums are scheduled in the fall between October - December 2021. Additional 2021/22 peer forum meetings will soon be announced for the winter, spring, and summer quarters.

All VPFs are 75 minutes and take place from 12:00-1:15 PM PT. Peer Forums on the same day will happen concurrently.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21
12:00-1:15 PM PT

Executive Directors of Orchestras with Budgets Under $1 Million
Facilitator: Elizabeth Quivey, North State Symphony & Josh Banda, Sequoia Symphony Orchestra
Who should attend: EDs of professional orchestras (both CBA and non-CBA) with operating budgets under $1 million.

Marketing and Patron Services Staff
Facilitators: Virginia Marine, Monterey Symphony & Erin Nishimori, Modesto Symphony
Who should attend: Orchestra staff and volunteers who work in communications, marketing, PR, and patron services at orchestras and ensembles of any budget size.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28
12:00-1:15 PM PT

Operations Staff
Facilitator: Connor Bogenrief, Chapman University and Bella Sunshine, Pacific Symphony
Who should attend: Orchestra staff and volunteers who work in concert production and personnel management at orchestras and ensembles of any budget size.

Development Staff
Facilitator: Mark Saville, Long Beach Symphony & Giuliano Kornberg, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
Who should attend: Orchestra staff and volunteers who work in fundraising (individual giving, major gifts, grant writing, events) at orchestras and ensembles of any budget size.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4
12:00-1:15 PM PT

Community Orchestra Staff and Board Leaders
Facilitators: Chelsea Chambers & Sheri Frumkin, Peninsula Symphony North
Who should attend: Staff and board leaders of orchestras made up primarily of volunteer musicians and/or are board-led.

Music Festival Staff and Board Leaders
Facilitator: Jenny Darlington-Person, Music in the Mountains
Who should attend: Staff and board leaders who run seasonal classical music festivals of any budget size.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18
12:00-1:15 PM PT

Youth Orchestra Staff and Board Leaders
Facilitators: Julia Copeland, Youth Orchestras of Fresno & Akilah Morgan, Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles
Who should attend: Staff and board leaders of youth orchestras and ensembles of any budget size.

Education and Community Engagement Staff
Facilitator: Jesse Schiffman, San Diego Symphony
Who should attend: Orchestra staff and volunteers who run youth, family, and adult education and community outreach programs at orchestras and ensembles of any budget size.
REGISTER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16
12:00-1:15 PM PT

Artistic Leaders and Musicians
Facilitator: Bruce Kiesling, Sequoia Symphony Orchestra
Who should attend: Music directors, conductors, composers, musicians, artistic planning staff at orchestras of any budget size.
REGISTER

Finance & HR Staff
Facilitators: Alicia Gonzalez and Maureen Melville, San Diego Symphony
Who should attend: Staff that work in human resources or finance at orchestras of any budget size.
REGISTER