Welcome to the 2024 ACSO Annual Conference!
We are delighted to be back in San Francisco, partnering for the seventh time with one of California's musical giants, the San Francisco Symphony. Together, we have created a conference that supports and celebrates our entire music community, from our largest symphony orchestras to our smallest community orchestras, from educational institutions and youth ensembles to festivals and choruses. Whether you are part of a team at a large organization, or you are the entire team of a smaller one, this conference recognizes the unique and instrumental role you play in shaping the music landscape of the West.
Our theme - Golden Opportunities - references both our beautiful host city and our hope for what you will take away from the conference experience. This theme invites you to leverage the many changes that have happened in our field over the past few years as opportunities to adapt, make strategic shifts, and find new ways to grow.
We have gathered more than 60 speakers and panelists to share expertise on topics and issues that you, the ACSO community, have identified as vital. We hope these sessions will inspire you and offer ideas and solutions to the current challenges we all face as arts leaders. Additionally, we hope you seize this golden opportunity to network with your peers and learn from each other, creating new connections, and strengthening existing relationships.
We are deeply grateful to all those who have made our conference possible: our sponsors, funders, exhibitors, and partners, as well as our hardworking and dedicated ACSO staff, board, and volunteers.
Finally, we want to thank you, our ACSO community, for coming together to share ideas and to collectively envision an inclusive and thriving future for music in our communities.
 Elizabeth Shribman |  Sarah Weber |
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Registration & Exhibitor Marketplace Open
GALLERY FOYER/SALON I
Make this your first stop at the conference! Get registered, grab a cup of coffee, and connect with businesses and individuals that support our field. Learn more about their services and what they can do for you.
Coffee Service Sponsored by Dream Warrior Group/ARTDynamix
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Pre-Conference Workshop: Imagine Your Board on Fire About Fundraising
ATELIER I
Presenter: Susan Howlett, Principal, Susan Howlett Consulting
Your board members know they’re supposed to help with fundraising, and they mean to, but they don’t always deliver. In this enlightening and interactive session, we’ll 1) explore what’s keeping them from succeeding, 2) learn how to remove those barriers, and 3) discover what to ask them to do instead so they can be effective fundraisers, in ways that fit their skill sets, their comfort zones, their interest areas and their busy schedules. You’ll leave with practical, no-cost tips that will help your leaders raise money with confidence, joy and ease, by focusing on relationship-building rather than asking.
Susan will be selling and signing copies of her book Boards on Fire! Inspiring Leaders to Raise Money Joyfully following the workshop.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Conducting Masterclass (Open for Observation)
GALLERY III
Eight student and emerging conductors receive 15 minutes of hands-on podium time from Rei Hotoda, Music Director, Fresno Philharmonic in this two-hour masterclass. Conference attendees are welcome to attend and observe.
Sponsored by Jessica Bejarano, with support from the San Francisco Philharmonic
10:15 – 11:00 AM
Conference Orientation
SALON II
This helpful overview will quickly orient you to the highlights of the conference agenda, help you get the lay of the land in San Francisco, and arm you with networking tips to amplify your time over the next three days when connecting with new colleagues and friends.
Sponsored by Akilah Morgan
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Emerging Professionals Brown Bag Networking Lunch
YERBA BUENA GARDENS
Kick off the conference over lunch by meeting your fellow emerging orchestra professionals. You may create bonds of friendship that will last for the rest of your career! If you have been in the orchestra/performing arts field for less than five years, sign up for this informal lunch where you can enjoy networking, stimulating conversation, and peer learning. The group will enjoy boxed lunches, provided by ACSO from Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen, in the beautiful Yerba Buena Gardens, directly across Mission Street from the conference hotel. Advanced signup required. Walkups cannot be accommodated.
Hosted by ACSO Board Members Connor Bogenreif and Jonathan Rios
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Opening Plenary: Run It Like a Business
GALLERY I/II
Keynote Speaker: Aubrey Bergauer, CEO, Changing the Narrative
If you hate that phrase, you’re not alone. But the arts are a business, a sector worth billions whose institutions serve almost every region in the country. Today, arts organizations are trying to rebuild audiences, reclaim relevance, and confront centuries of systemic discrimination.
The solutions are right before our eyes though. Volumes of data, research, and case studies from the for-profit sector demonstrate how to achieve success across customer engagement, the user experience, company culture, the subscription economy, digital content, new revenue streams, and brand relevance. Just because arts organizations are non-profits doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make money; it means the money we make goes back to fund the mission. And it means a sustainable model is still necessary. Running it like a business isn’t unwitting board speak; it’s essential to revitalize this critical, massive economic engine and ultimately better serve the art and its consumers in the new normal ahead.
Aubrey will be signing copies of her book Run it Like a Business following her keynote. Purchase your copy in the registration area.
Musical Moment:
New Century Chamber Orchestra Trio
Intermezzo for String Trio by Zoltán Kodály
Karen Shinozaki Sor, violin
Elizabeth Prior, viola
Michelle Djokic, cello
Sponsored by Sharon Simpson and Monterey Symphony
3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: It’s Not Just a Concert: How to Make a Classical Uprising
GALLERY III
Speaker: Dr. Emily Isaacson, Artistic Director, Classical Uprising
Today’s audience does not want to attend a performance, they want to participate in an experience. How can classical music re-imagine the audience experience for the 21st century? In this session, Dr. Isaacson shares six frameworks for change, a toolbox of strategies, and examples of success for re-imagining the concert experience. These data-based, customer-centric approaches will increase your audience, deepen your fanbase, and give your organization a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving creative universe.
Sponsored by Withum and Dr. Mieko Hatano
Breakout 2: Fundraising Events that Work: Insider Secrets on Successful Events
ATELIER I
Speakers: Nicola Reilly, President & CEO, Monterey Symphony; Scott Vandrick, Senior Director of Advancement, The Music Center
So many fundraising events, so little time! This session unravels insider secrets on producing fundraising events that stand out in a crowded field. Learn practical strategies and innovative approaches to infuse excitement into your next event, all while adding that element of surprise that will keep your guests coming back for more. Starting with a comprehensive overview of effective strategies for planning, budgeting, and executing successful events, this session will delve into the hard truths that mean the difference between epic event fails and fundraising triumphs. Join us for this interactive session complete with silent auction, opportunity drawing, and surprise guest stars!
Sponsored by Kathryn R Martin, Next Chapter Coach, in memory of coaching client and friend Steve Friedlander
Breakout 3: The Great Upgrade: Why Workforce Retention and Development Matters More Than Ever
SALON II
Speakers: Emanuel Maxwell, Chief Talent & Equity Officer, Los Angeles Philharmonic; Lisa Swain, Senior Facilitator & Advisor, Advisory Board for the Arts
A staggering number of people have changed jobs during and since the pandemic, and orchestras are not immune to the steep workforce hiring and retention challenges other sectors face. In this session, the Advisory Board for the Arts presents research from a recent study to give orchestra leaders a much clearer view of what it takes to attract and retain top talent in the arts administration industry. This session will also feature a case study from the LA Phil with practical approaches for developing and retaining the talent you already have.
Sponsored by Scott Vandrick and Jeri Crawford
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Peer Forums
Start a conversation, offer ideas, ask questions, and offer opinions. In these give-and-take sessions, you can join your counterparts at other orchestras or meet with similarly sized organizations to listen, learn, share, and collaborate.
Executive Directors with Budgets Over $1 Million
MUSEUM
Facilitated by Richard Lonsdorf, Executive Director, New Century Chamber Orchestra; Nicola Reilly, President & CEO, Monterey Symphony
Executive Directors with Budgets Under $1 Million
GALLERY I/II
Facilitated by Dr. Kevin Eberle-Noel, Executive Director, Redlands Symphony
Board Members of Professional Orchestras
ATELIER II
Facilitated by Dean McVay, Past President, San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra
Education and Community Engagement Staff
STUDIO III
Facilitated by Issy Farris, VP of Operations & Music Education, Long Beach Symphony
Operations Staff
GALLERY III
Facilitated by Sunshine Deffner, General Manager, California Symphony
Development Staff
STUDIO II
Facilitated by Nuri Kye, Director of Development, Marin Symphony
Finance & HR Staff
GALLERY I/II
Facilitated by Alicia Gonzalez, Interim Human Resources Director, San Francisco Symphony & Angela Zullinger, Director of Finance, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
Marketing and Patron Services Staff
ATELIER I
Facilitated by Ellen Armour Stein, Marketing & Development Director, Fresno Philharmonic
Music Festival Board & Staff
GALLERY III
Facilitated by Jenny Darlington-Person, Executive Director, Music in the Mountains
Youth Orchestra Board & Staff
GALLERY III
Facilitated by Alex Chu, Director of Education and Community Engagement, Pasadena Symphony and POPS & Nadia Liu, Executive Director, Young People’s Symphony Orchestra
Community Orchestra Board & Staff
GALLERY I/II
Facilitated by Chelsea Chambers, Executive Director, Peninsula Symphony of Northern California
Conductors, Musicians, and Artistic Leaders
ATELIER I
Facilitated by Jessica Bejarano, Music Director and Founder, San Francisco Philharmonic & Rei Hotoda, Music Director, Fresno Philharmonic
Sponsored by RSC Associates & ACSO Board of Directors Alumni
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Dinner Break
6:30 PM
Board Buses to Davies Symphony Hall
If you plan to ride the bus from the hotel to the concert, buses will board outside the front entrance of the hotel beginning at 6:30 PM. The last bus will depart at 6:45 PM sharp.
Sponsored by The Bopp Montalvo Group at Morgan Stanley
7:30 – 9:30 PM
San Francisco Symphony Concert: Tchaikovsky and Barber
DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky channels personal crises and his own admiration for Beethoven into a fate-filled tour de force, the Fourth Symphony. Hope makes its presence known courtesy of Samuel Barber's lyrical and openhearted Violin Concerto.
Conference attendees can purchase discounted tickets through the San Francisco Symphony Box Office at this link.
9:30 – 11:30 PM
Overture Party
WATTIS ROOM, DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL
Following the SFS concert, our host orchestra invites all conference attendees to Davies Symphony Hall for drinks and appetizers while catching up with colleagues and enjoying live DJ performances. ACSO will provide round-trip transportation from the Hyatt. Just bring your badge and enjoy the evening! The Wattis Room is located next to the Box Office at Davies Symphony Hall.
Hosted by The San Francisco Symphony
Sponsored by The San Francisco Symphony, with support from Santa Rosa Symphony. Wine sponsored by Deerfield Ranch Winery.
11:30 PM
Board Buses to Hyatt Regency SF Downtown SOMA
If you plan to ride the bus back to the hotel from the Overture Party, buses will depart on a rotating basis outside of the Box Office on Grove St. beginning at 9:45 PM. The last bus will depart at 11:45 PM sharp.
Sponsored by The Bopp Montalvo Group at Morgan Stanley
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Registration/Exhibitor Marketplace Open
GALLERY FOYER/SALON I
Make this your first stop of the day! Grab a cup of coffee, and connect with businesses and individuals that support our field. Learn more about their services and what they can do for you.
Coffee Service Sponsored by Dream Warrior Group/ARTDynamix
9:00 – 10:15 AM
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: Capitalizing Your Orchestra for Impact & Sustainability
GALLERY III
Speaker: Susan Nelson, Principal, TDC
One of the least understood and yet most critical pieces of achieving strategy and impact is being appropriately capitalized. Most organizations don't have a shared understanding of this at the staff or board level. Current conditions in the performing arts make these issues even more essential. This session will explain capitalization principles and help you diagnose how to effectively capitalize to achieve the impact you seek while being sustainable.
This session is dedicated to ACSO Board Treasurer Steve Friedlander, who passed away on March 1, 2024.
Sponsored by The Carmel Bach Festival and Elizabeth Shribman, in memory of ACSO Board Treasurer Steve Friedlander
Breakout 2: Pipelines of Possibility: How to Bolster the Path from Student to Orchestra Administrator
ATELIER I
Moderator: Connor Bogenreif, Career Advisor, Chapman University College of Performing Arts
Panelists: Laura Bergmann, Associate Director, Advocacy & Community Engagement, San Francisco Symphony; Ron Gallman, Director of Education & Youth Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony; Kristen Klehr, Director of the Professional Development and Engagement Center, Department Chair, Professional Development, San Francisco Conservatory; Gillian Okin, Student, Chapman University School of Performing Arts, Yuki Yokota, Post-Graduate Student, San Francisco Conservatory
Have you recently been stuck trying to hire an administrative position in your organization and had difficulty finding the right person with the right experience? Do you wish you had better partnerships between your orchestra and local higher education institution, or vice versa?
This session is for you! It will focus on sharing successful internship, apprenticeship, and work-study programs that have worked well in bolstering the student-to-arts administrator pipeline through meaningful partnerships between orchestras and educational institutions.
This panel includes current conservatory students, successful alumni working in orchestra administration, and the managers who oversee internships, apprenticeships, and/or work-study opportunities.
You will walk away with inspiration and ideas about how you can create partnerships with higher ed that will help build the orchestra workforce of today and tomorrow.
Sponsored by Opus 3 Artists and Jonathan Rios
Breakout 3: Amplifying Engagement: Explore How Orchestras and Classical Music Radio Stations Can Partner on Community Enrichment
SALON II
Speakers: Chelsea Chambers, Executive Director, Peninsula Symphony of Northern California; Lisa Dell, Executive Director, California Symphony; Bill Lueth, President, Classical KDFC
Delve into the dynamic relationship between symphony orchestras and classical music radio. Discover how partnerships reshape community outreach and cultural enrichment, creating mutually beneficial collaborations. Panelists will explore the intricacies of these partnerships, highlight successful initiatives, and discuss how working together broadens reach, diversifies audiences, and deepens community engagement. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on approaching collaboration between orchestras and radio stations and the mutual benefits of these no-budget partnerships.
Sponsored by VATIC and Dean McVay
10:15 – 11:00 AM
Coffee Break & Exhibitor Showcase
GALLERY FOYER/SALON I
Take a break, grab a cup of coffee and a snack, and visit the conference exhibitors. This is the perfect time–when no other conference activities are scheduled–to start a no-pressure conversation. The solutions that these businesses and individuals offer could make your job easier and your mission more impactful.
Sponsored by Classical California
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: The Orchestra of Influence: Empowering Musicians to be Digital Ambassadors
GALLERY III
Speakers: Allison Lambacher, Associate Director of Digital Engagement, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; David Taylor, Consultant & Coach
In the digital age, audiences expect to be able to connect with athletes and artists on social media. This has allowed that work with them to create content at scale, expand significantly from their existing audience base, and build strong personal connections. For the artists and athletes, they have been able to build personal brands and leverage this attention into additional revenue streams.
Despite these benefits, orchestras have been slow to embrace this potential of empowering their musicians as digital ambassadors.
Sharing experiences and real-world feedback from his training program “The Orchestra of Influence,” David Taylor explains the benefits of empowering musicians to be digital ambassadors and provides a roadmap for how orchestras can do it themselves.
This session includes:
- The common challenges musicians face and how to support them
- Using this approach to free up the marketing department’s time
- Convincing musicians that digital is a vital part of their job
- How musicians can build additional income streams
- Avoiding the “us - them” dynamic between players and administration
- Succeeding through co-creation
- Helping marketing departments to become content curators
David will be selling and signing copies of his books The Future of Classical Music - Parts 1 & 2 following the session.
Sponsored by Symphony.live and Chelsea Chambers
Breakout 2: The Power of Local Advocacy & Civic Relationships
ATELIER I
Speakers: Leni Boorstin, Senior Advisor, External Engagement, Los Angeles Philharmonic (retired); Marni Cook, Senior Director of Advocacy, Community Engagement & Volunteer Services, San Francisco Symphony; Sean Fenton, Executive Director, Theatre Bay Area; Jonathan Glus, Executive Director for the Arts & Culture, City of San Diego; Tracy Hudak, Director of Field Engagement, CA for the Arts
During the pandemic, arts advocacy became highly collaborative and locally focused to ensure that arts organizations survived lockdown. Orchestras of all sizes experienced the value of mutually beneficial partnerships, raising awareness with businesses and institutions, engaging in service-oriented community work, and leveraging their influence on behalf of others. The role and influence of local government and agencies on the health of communities and orchestras was made vivid.
As we emerge from this challenging period, the importance of strong local advocacy and civic relationships has never been clearer. It's essential for orchestras to practice advocacy skills that go beyond a focus on public funding. It's about being an ambassador for the arts and showing up for others, which in turn strategically positions orchestras within their communities.
In this interactive session, a panel of experienced arts advocates will share examples of powerful local advocacy in action, and then break attendees into groups to work through questions such as:
- If getting more funding from your local government was off the table, what else would you advocate for that could strengthen the health of your orchestra?
- How do you position your orchestra within the larger civic ecosystem of social services, small businesses, neighborhoods, and residents? Are you a partner or siloed?
- Advocacy work ties closely with community work. Is your work in the community developed with and for those that you are serving? How do you build trust and show up for your partners? What if you see no immediate benefit for you?
You will come away with inspiration and new insight into the necessity of local advocacy and civic relationships, and a renewed energy to more deeply connect your orchestra to your community.
Sponsored by Kevin Eberle-Noel and Fred Levin, The Shenson Foundation
Breakout 3: Catch the Philanthropic Wave: Unleashing the Power of Planned Giving and Donor-Advised Funds
SALON II
Speakers: Jeremy Hatch, Principal Consultant, RSC Associates; Catherine Heitz New, CEO, RSC Associates
Your organization likely wants a more robust planned giving program that encourages donors to make a legacy impact. Yet, like most organizations, you may struggle due to competing priorities and limited resources. There is an answer! RSC Associates has developed a simple, reliable approach to guide you step by step as you build an effective planned giving program. Participants will receive a checklist of activities that can be implemented immediately and align with your current fundraising strategies.
Additionally, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are now considered the fastest-growing giving vehicle in the United States. RSC Associates has developed an overview of how DAFs are evolving, and the practical actions your organization can take to capitalize on this rising philanthropic wave.
You’ll leave the session confident in how best to tailor your approach to take advantage of these unique philanthropic tools and accelerate your fundraising growth.
Sponsored by Ludus and Giuliano Kornberg
12:30 – 2:15 PM
ACSO Annual Meeting & Luncheon
GALLERY I/II
At the Annual Meeting, members vote on ACSO’s new and renewing board members and learn about the association’s financial health, impact, and future initiatives. The meeting will be followed by a keynote presentation.
Musical Moment:
Sonata in G Major, Adagio - Vivace by J.S. Bach (BWV 1021)
Aaron Westerman, baroque violin
Bach Collegium San Diego
William Skeen, Baroque 'cello
Philharmonia Baroque
Ian Pritchard, organ
Tesserae Baroque
Love, Life, Oakland: How Artists and Orchestras Collaborate to Build Belonging and Community
Speakers: Kev Choice, Oakland-based pianist, emcee, producer, educator, activist, and cultural strategist, in conversation with Dr. Mieko Hatano, CEO, Oakland Symphony, ACSO Board Member, and Visit Oakland Board Member
How can artists and orchestras work together to build new audiences, inspire civic engagement, and create true belonging in a community? Kev Choice will reveal how he and the Oakland Symphony are doing just that.
In this keynote conversation, Kev will share his story of learning to rap and play the piano at age 11, earning a master's degree in piano performance, touring the world with renowned artists, starting his own band, Kev Choice Ensemble, and composing for the Oakland Symphony and San Francisco Symphony. He will also share his work as a cultural strategist for Oakland.
Then he and Mieko will discuss the responsibility orchestras have to grow their own allies and build up new community leaders. They will inspire orchestras with their example of how to move diversity, equity, and inclusion from paper to practice.
Kev will close the keynote by performing one of his own compositions.
Sponsored by Visit Oakland
2:30 – 3:45 PM
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: Orchestrating Ethical and Human-Centered Generative AI: Striking the Right Chord
GALLERY III
Speaker: Beth Kanter, Speaker, Author & Trainer
As an orchestra leader, you stand on the balcony, overseeing the vision for your organization. But to truly harness the impact of generative AI, you must also step onto the dance floor and understand how generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve productivity if used ethically and well.
In this interactive session, Beth Kanter, an expert in nonprofits and AI, will guide you through the AI symphony from both perspectives. From the balcony, Beth will explore the big picture of AI's potential in the orchestra world and discuss the importance of its responsible and ethical adoption. On the dance floor, she will provide you with practical tips, tools, and prompts to get hands-on with AI, enabling your organization to begin adopting it ethically, no matter your role or orchestra size.
Join Beth Kanter as she waltzes between the balcony and the dance floor, gaining the knowledge and confidence to lead in a human-centered way in the age of generative artificial intelligence. You'll leave this session inspired and equipped with the knowledge to compose a harmonious future where AI and humans work in concert to support your organization's mission.
Sponsored by Dream Warrior Group/ARTDynamix and Vint Cerf
Breakout 2: Expanding the Canon, Expanding the Audience
ATELIER I
Moderator: Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano, Lecturer, Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA
Speakers: Kedrick Armstrong, Music Director, Oakland Symphony; Nora Brady, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Los Angeles Philharmonic; Dr. Liane Curtis, President, Women's Philharmonic Advocacy; John Wineglass, Composer, JW Productions, LLC.
Much of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work in classical music involves making people from traditionally marginalized communities feel welcomed and recognized. In what way can programming choices play a role in these efforts? Globally and across our region, canonic composers (primarily deceased white European cis-males) continue to dominate concerts, perpetuating the historical exclusion of music by women and racial and ethnic minorities. How can we best address this exclusionary practice, and what resources are available for organizations seeking to do so? What would an effective marketing strategy entail to promote a more inclusive repertoire?
This session will delve into the concept of expanding the canon, and even consider if the canon can be abandoned altogether. Ultimately, what impact - if any- does more inclusive repertoire have on our broader goal of a diverse and sustainable audience
Sponsored by Women's Philharmonic Advocacy and Donna Williams
Breakout 3: Eliciting Optimal Value from Your Leaders
SALON II
Speaker: Susan Howlett, Principal, Susan Howlett Consulting
It seems harder to find good leaders these days – people who will agree to sit on committees or boards and actually do the work that needs to be done. This interactive session will help you get more out of the people you’ve already got – as governors, ambassadors, and fundraisers – and find more people who are willing to say yes!
Susan will be selling and signing copies of her book Boards on Fire! Inspiring Leaders to Raise Money Joyfully following the session.
Sponsored by The Bopp Montalvo Group at Morgan Stanley and Jamei Haswell
4:00 – 5:30 PM
President’s Reception (invitation only)
OUTSIDE TERRACE
The President’s Reception is an opportunity for ACSO to thank our individual donors and conference sponsors at a gathering that includes drinks and light appetizers. Have a drink on us, network with one another, and know how much ACSO appreciates your support! This reception is open by invitation to our conference sponsors and our donors who have given $100 or more to ACSO in the past year. Donate at the registration desk or the door to secure your invitation!
Musical Moment:
San Francisco Conservatory of Music Jazz Trio
Alan Jones, Bass
JC Grady, Drums
Carlo Rabano, Trombone
5:30 – 7:00 PM
LGBTQIA+ Happy Hour
PAGAN IDOL | 375 Bush Street, San Francisco
*Transportation on own
Walkups welcome
Get to know your fellow LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies at this casual networking event at Pagan Idol, a Tiki Bar located in San Francisco's Financial District. Pagan Idol is housed in a historical space that was once home to the infamous Tiki Bob's Mainland Rendezvous. As you enter Pagan Idol you find yourself in the belly of a wooden ship that will transport you off the streets of San Francisco and deliver you to an exotic escape. Enter the back room at your own risk and encounter the sounds and sights of a tropical island, complete with starry night sky and erupting volcano.
You must be 21+ to attend. This event has a no-host bar.
Hosted by ACSO Board Members Jessica Bejarano and Mieko Hatano
8:00 PM
Dear San Francisco
CLUB FUGAZI | 768 Green Street (at Powell), North Beach
*Transportation on own
Price: $85/ticket
Powered by exhilarating acrobatics, choreography, spoken word, video projections, shadow play, and original music, Dear San Francisco invites locals and visitors alike on a heart-stopping romp through both the essence and the myth that is San Francisco. From the Gold Rush and 1906 earthquake, to beat poetry and the mysterious fog, San Francisco comes vividly to life, performed by an international cast of world-class acrobats across a variety of disciplines - including hoop diving, Chinese pole, Korean plank, hand-balancing, juggling, and “hand-to-trap”.
The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Enjoy drinks and small bites from a curated menu. Advanced ticket purchase required, first come first served. Must be 21 or older with ID.
The ACSO group block has sold out. You may purchase tickets directly through the box office. Transportation on own.
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Registration & Exhibitor Marketplace Open
GALLERY FOYER/SALON I
Grab a cup of coffee and connect with businesses and individuals that support our field. Learn more about their services and what they can do for you.
Coffee Service Sponsored by Dream Warrior Group/ARTDynamix
9:00 – 10:15 AM
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: Stop Using #ClassicalMusic: A Guide to Growing Your Audience Using Social Media
GALLERY III
Presenter: Johana Laney, Social Media and Brand Manager, Classical Content
Have you ever spent a lot of time and energy working on a post for social media only to end up with a few likes and very little engagement? In this session, Johanna Laney reviews some of the most common mistakes arts organizations make when using social media, and gives you the tools you need to get your content in front of your target audience. From using keywords and engagement to retraining your account's algorithm by posting content that aligns with how people use social channels, this session is filled with helpful information. Johanna will be sharing the strategy she used to increase Aubrey Bergauer's reach by 1500% as well as the organic social media strategies she used to increase ticket revenue by 45% at the Boise Baroque Orchestra.
Sponsored by SD&A Teleservices and Nora Brady
Breakout 2: Building Responsive, Resilient, and Collaborative Community Programs
ATELIER I
Presenters: Laura Bergmann, Associate Director, Advocacy & Community Engagement, San Francisco Symphony; Brianna Negrete, Music Therapist, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital; Martha Rodríguez Salazar, Dìa De Los Muertos Curator, San Francisco Symphony; May Stearman, Community Engagement Program Manager, San Francisco Symphony
As orchestras examine their position in the broader cultural and civic ecosystems of their cities or region, the role of community engagement work is rapidly evolving. Building collaborative, partner-centered relationships is a pathway to organizational growth well beyond community engagement programs. Using the San Francisco Symphony's Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) concert and other programs as case studies, this session will explore how to create longstanding, flexible, and relevant programs rooted in the needs or wishes of the community.
Sponsored by Classical California and John Wineglass
Breakout 3: Music Directors Roundtable: On and Off the Podium
SALON II
Moderator: Paul Meecham, President & CEO, Tucson Symphony
Panelists: Dwayne Burrell, Associate Conductor, ICYOLA; Sarah Hicks, Principal Conductor of Live at Orchestra Hall, Minnesota Orchestra; Ryan Murray, Artistic Director & Conductor, Auburn Symphony, Music Director, Music in the Mountains, Principal Pops Conductor, Modesto Symphony; Jayce Ogren, Music Director, Monterey Symphony;
As ambassadors for their orchestras, music directors are increasingly involved in many activities beyond conducting, including educational outreach, fundraising, and shaping the orchestra's role in the community. What skills and collaborative relationships are needed to be effective in both capacities? How does a music director align their artistic vision with the programming, community-building, and equity goals of the organization? How can they help influence and shape the role orchestras play in our changing world? A panel of accomplished music directors discuss the ever-evolving nature of their roles and how they balance their on-podium artistic leadership and off-podium community engagement and advocacy.
Sponsored by Artelize, Alan Mason, and Loribeth Gregory-Beck
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Closing Plenary: A Conversation with Ben Folds on Orchestras as Symbols of Community
GALLERY I/II
Speaker: Ben Folds, Emmy-Award-winning composer, singer-songwriter, and pianist in conversation with Elizabeth Shribman, ACSO Board President and Chief of Staff, San Francisco Symphony.
We close the ACSO Conference with an inspiring conversation between Emmy-Award-winning composer, singer-songwriter, and pianist Ben Folds and ACSO Board President Elizabeth Shribman about the value and role of orchestras in today’s society, his commitment to arts advocacy and accessibility, the connection between orchestras and communities, and stories from his life and career. Then Ben will throw it open to the audience for a rousing AMA (“ask me anything”) session.
Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation, Folds' enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. An active performer, podcast host, and New York Times Best Selling author, he is a longtime advocate for arts and music education funding and serves on the Board of the Arts Action Fund for Americans for the Arts. For the past two decades, Folds has shared the stage with some of the world's greatest orchestras, and is in his seventh year as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He also launched a charitable initiative in his native state of North Carolina that provides free or affordable piano lessons to interested school-age children.
Musical Moment:
Young People's Symphony Orchestra
String Quartet No. 2 in D Major, First Movement: Allegro Moderato by Alexander Borodin
Grace Liao, violin
Carolyn Ren, violin
Liam Young Skeen, viola
Claire Topper, cello
Sponsored by Priscilla and Keith Geeslin, with support from BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
6:40 PM
Buses load for Davies Symphony Hall
If you plan to ride the bus from the hotel to the concert, buses will board outside the front entrance of the hotel beginning at 6:30 PM. The last bus will depart at 6:45 PM sharp.
Sponsored by The Bopp Montalvo Group at Morgan Stanley
7:30 – 9:30 PM
Ben Folds & The SF Symphony
DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL
On July 27, pianist and singer-songwriter Ben Folds joins the San Francisco Symphony and conductor Edwin Outwater to perform many of his most iconic songs from his decades-long career as a solo artist and frontman of alternative rock trio Ben Folds Five. Widely regarded as one of the major musical influences of our generation, Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. For nearly two decades, Folds has performed with some of the world’s leading symphony orchestras, and he currently serves as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.
Conference attendees can purchase discounted tickets through the San Francisco Symphony Box Office at this link.
Post-Concert
Buses load for the Hyatt Regency SF Downtown SOMA
If you plan to ride the bus back to the hotel after the concert, please board the bus at Grove St. outside the Box Office. The last bus will depart sharply 30 minutes after the end of the concert.
Sponsored by The Bopp Montalvo Group at Morgan Stanley
ACSO thanks the following sponsors, donors, and funders for making the 2024 Annual Conference possible.
THANK YOU TO OUR HOST ORCHESTRA
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KEYNOTE SPONSORS
SHARON SIMPSON |  | PRISCILLA & KEITH GEESLIN |
CONNECTING SPONSORS
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SESSION SPONSORS
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SUPPORTING SPONSORS
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MEDIA PARTNER
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INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
Jessica Bejarano | Alan Mason |
PARTNERS
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FUNDERS
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OFFICERS
Elizabeth Shribman, President
Chief of Staff
San Francisco Symphony
Jamei Haswell, Vice President
Board Member
Santa Rosa Symphony & League of American Orchestras
Chelsea Chambers, Secretary
Executive Director
Peninsula Symphony of Northern California
Donna M. Williams, Treasurer
Board Member
Oakland Symphony
DIRECTORS
Ellen Armour Stein
Director of Marketing & Development
Fresno Philharmonic
Jessica Bejarano
Founder/Music Director, San Francisco Philharmonic
Curator & Scholar in Residence, San Francisco Opera
Connor Bogenreif
Career Advisor
Chapman University College of the Performing Arts
Nora Brady
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
Jeri Crawford
President
Las Vegas Philharmonic
Jenny Darlington-Person
Executive Director
Music in the Mountains
Dr. Kevin Eberle-Noel
Executive Director
Redlands Symphony
Loribeth Gregory-Beck
Education Manager
Museum of Ventura County
Dr. Mieko Hatano
CEO
Oakland Symphony
Giuliano Kornberg
CEO
Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
Dean McVay
Partner, Lewis Brisbois
Immediate Past President, San Bernardino Symphony
Paul Meecham
President & CEO
Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Akilah Morgan
Associate Executive Director
Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles
Jonathan Rios
Director of Major Gifts & Parent Giving
USC Thornton School of Music
Scott Vandrick
Senior Director of Advancement
The Music Center
John Wineglass
Composer
JW Productions, LLC
Amanda Wu Chroust
Mid-Market Account Executive
Classy
STAFF
Caroline Bamforth
Conference & Programs Manager
Julia Dean
Membership & Marketing Coordinator
Luc Eldridge
Conference & Marketing Intern
Elly Khotim
Conference Associate
Emma Northcutt
Conference Intern
Alexandra Opsahl
Member Engagement & Development Manager
Sarah Weber
Executive Director
CONTACT US
PO BOX 71439
Los Angeles, CA 90071
800-495-2276
office@acso.org
www.acso.org