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About Us

WHO WE ARE

The Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra remains an affiliated group of the Bakersfield Symphony, operating under its board of directors with able assistance from manager Nicole Russell, parents, symphony coaches, and private teachers. Funding is provided by corporate and private contributions, player tuition, and ticket sales. The Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra has toured extensively including places such as Japan, England, Scotland, and South Korea. 

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Meet Our Finalists

This year, we are in search of a permanent BYSO conductor. We will be featuring three finalists: Dr. Leo Sakomoto, Stephen Penner, and David Newby. Click on their photographs below to learn more about them!

Staff

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Regina Pryor

-President-

-President-

Regina Pryor is a veteran of the Bakersfield music education community and an advocate and board member of numerous organizations. With over thirty years teaching in the Panama Buena Vista Union School District, Regina has been president of KCMEA, on the board of The Bakersfield Sister City Project, and most recently, President of the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra.

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Nicole Russell

-Manager-

Nicole Russell is a local elementary music specialist, teaching TK-6 general music, band, strings, and chorus. She is a CSUB graduate, and is a current member of the CSUB Concert Band.  Along with her duties as the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra manager, Nicole is also an active member in KMECC and KCMEA, and has presented at state-level conferences. On her spare time, Nicole also assists with running a local book club.

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