The Marietta-based Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra is adding three conductors and shifting its longtime leader into a new role ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
Dr. Nathaniel F. Parker, who previously served as both GYSO Symphony conductor and artistic and executive director, will step back from the podium to focus full-time on artistic vision, educational programming, and student recruitment as the Dr. Bobbie Bailey Artistic & Executive Director of GYSO. The organization announced the changes Thursday, July 23.
Taking over the GYSO Symphony baton is Dr. David Doke. Dr. Will Whitehead will lead the GYSO Philharmonic, and Dr. Kathryn Encisco, a former GYSO student, returns to direct GYSO Camerata after building a career as a conductor and music educator.
"I'm incredibly excited about the artistic team we'll have guiding our students this season," Parker said in the announcement. "Together with our returning faculty, we've assembled one of the strongest educational teams in our history."
The four conductors join returning instructors Sam Skelton, Dr. Vera Ilyushina, Whitney Tinley, and Veronica Del Castillo, plus an expanded roster of sectional coaches and teaching artists. Several staff members also teach at Kennesaw State University's Bailey School of Music, according to the organization, giving students access to collegiate-level educators and working performers.
GYSO says its partnership with the Bailey School of Music provides mentorship that has helped prepare graduates for collegiate music study.
Who GYSO serves
Founded in 2006 as the education division of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, GYSO serves hundreds of students from across metro Atlanta, including many East Cobb families, through five orchestras, a jazz ensemble, chamber music, and specialized instrumental programs. A pair of March 2026 concerts featured nearly 200 student musicians performing before more than 550 family members, according to the organization.
The program celebrated its 20th anniversary during the 2025-2026 season. Parker reflected on that milestone in an April 30 article on the GSO website: "It's very important to me that music remain a living art form."
How to audition
Audition registration for the 2026-2027 season is open through Wednesday, August 5, with live auditions on Saturday, August 8. Open seats remain at every ensemble level. Requirements and registration are available at gyso.org/auditions.
Upcoming
- Wednesday, August 5 — GYSO audition registration deadline
- Saturday, August 8 — Live auditions for all ensemble levels
