Beginning in June, there will be some important changes in YOBC’s administrative staff. Long-time auditions coordinator and office manager, Diana Nolan, will be retiring at the end of June after 18 years at YOBC. Diana has overseen the auditions and enrollment of more than 1000 students who have participated in YOBC, which has doubled its annual membership and more than doubled the number of ensembles since she was first involved in 2000.
Stepping into the newly named administrative coordinator role will be Virginia Glatzer, a YOBC alumni parent whose two clarinetists were YOBC members from 2012 to 2017. Virginia has over 20 years of experience as an educational consultant and a strong background in technology, the use of technology in education, and database management. “After years of my own children’s experience in YOBC,” Virginia says, “I am excited to be involved in all of the behind-the-scenes happenings that give our children such wonderful musical opportunities.”
A new position at YOBC – development director – will be filled by Beth Guerriero. Some YOBC string students may recognize Beth as a local violin and viola teacher. For the past few years Beth has been working as director of education of The Harmony Program in New York City. This El Sistema–inspired organization brings music making to children from underserved communities to allow them to explore new avenues and realize their full potential. She is looking forward to sharing her experiences with YOBC as she returns to this area next month.
“I’m really excited to begin working as the development director for the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County, an organization where I’ve seen the direct impact music education is having on the young musicians of the greater Philadelphia area,” says Beth. “I’m happy to join the team, and will be very active in developing our plans for increasing fundraising and donors.”
Over the last dozen years or so, one of the main behind-the-scenes missions has been to make YOBC into a strong, viable organization with the infrastructure to sustain it for years – no matter who is running it. With the support of YOBC’s active Board of Directors, this strong administrative team will continue to provide the groundwork that enables the artistic staff to focus on the high-quality programs and opportunities that make YOBC a special place for young musicians in Bucks and surrounding counties.