Cobb County Courier reported that the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) unveiled an expanded artistic leadership team for the 2026‑2027 season.
The announcement details that Dr. Nathaniel F. Parker will shift from his dual role as symphony conductor and artistic & executive director to serve solely as Dr. Bobbie Bailey Artistic & Executive Director, focusing on artistic vision, education programming, staff support, student recruitment and program growth (Cobb County Courier).
Dr. Kathryn Encisco, a former GYSO student, has been named director of GYSO Camerata after building a career as a conductor and music educator (Cobb County Courier). Dr. David Doke will assume the role of GYSO Symphony conductor, and Dr. Will Whitehead will lead the GYSO Philharmonic, creating a defined progression path for students (Cobb County Courier).
The faculty roster also includes returning instructors Sam Skelton, Dr. Vera Ilyushina, Whitney Tinley and Veronica Del Castillo, along with sectional coaches and teaching artists, many of whom also teach at Kennesaw State University’s Bailey School of Music (Cobb County Courier).
Audition registration remains open through August 5, with live auditions scheduled for August 8, and open seats are available at every ensemble level for musicians of varying ages and experience (Cobb County Courier).
For more information, visit cobbcountycourier.com.