Igniting joy and excitement for all
The Bay Philharmonic has a unique mission and it’s all about you!
Bay Philharmonic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit orchestra serving the diverse communities of the San Francisco East Bay through inspiring live orchestral performances and transformative music education. Building on over 60 years of artistic excellence, our mission is to Enrich the Soul, Inspire the Mind, and Delight the Senses by making high-quality orchestral music accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and economic circumstances.
More than two-thirds of Bay Philharmonic's funding comes from the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. These contributions help keep concert tickets affordable, expand access for underserved audiences, support educational opportunities for young musicians, and bring meaningful cultural experiences to schools and communities throughout the East Bay. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging is reflected in our programming, educational initiatives, volunteer engagement, and audiences.
The Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO) provides talented young musicians with exceptional orchestral training, mentorship from professional musicians and conductors, and performance opportunities that foster artistic excellence, leadership, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Through rehearsals, concerts, and educational experiences, BPYO helps develop the next generation of performers while making high-quality music education accessible to families throughout the East Bay.
The Bay Philharmonic Guild is a dedicated volunteer organization that supports our mission through fundraising, community outreach, audience engagement, and special events. Guild members serve as ambassadors for the arts, helping expand access to live orchestral music while fostering meaningful connections between Bay Philharmonic and the communities we serve.
Through the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners, Bay Philharmonic continues to remove barriers to arts participation while nurturing the next generation of musicians and enriching the cultural life of the East Bay. Every gift helps ensure that exceptional live orchestral music remains accessible, affordable, and inspiring for everyone.
Team
Staff
Dr. Francis A. Rojas
Executive Director
Dr. Jane K. Brown
Interim Conductor & Artistic Director
Judy Lam
Bay Phil Youth Orchestra Director
Marcella Schantz
Personnel Manager
Matthew O'Donnell
Production Manager/Lighting Director
Anthony Wickizer
Stage Manager
Brad Gardner
Audio Engineer
Colton Michael
Interim Marketing and Social Media Director
Board
Dr. Diana Engel-Holmes
Chair
Gregory Green
Co-Treasurer & Website Support
Cecilia Caparas Apelin
Secretary
Marcella Schantz
Musician Representative
Judy Lam
Youth Orchestra Representative
Shelby Foster
Guild President & Representative
Past Presidents/Chairs
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2030-2020
2026-Current Dr. Diana Engel-Holmes
2024-2026 Donald Pipkin
2020-2024 Lisa Lorenz
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2020-2010
2024-2026 Donald Pipkin
2020-2024 Lisa Lorenz
2014-2020 Mark Green
2012-14 Steve Pietkiewicz
2010-12 Steve Cho/Steve Pietkiewicz
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2010-2000
2009-10 Pauline Weaver
2007-09 Douglas Treadway
2005-07 Jean Louie
2004-05 Robin J. Tanabe
2002-04 Robert De Marta
2000-02 Howard Hyman
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2000-1990
1999-2000 Caryl Dockter
1997-99 Richard A. Pantages
1995-97 Alan Heyman
1993-95 Dick Fields
1991-93 Eva-Maria Tisdale
1990-91 Duane Garman
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1990-1980
1988-90 David Johnson
1986-88 Paul Bonaccorsi
1985-86 Dan Archer
1984-85 Pearl Gunsell
1982-84 Doris Green
1980-82 Wallace Pond
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1980-1970
1979-80 Ted Bresler
1978-79 Mira Gearhart
1977-78 Carl Hentschke
1976-77 Phyllis Merrifield
1975-76 Susan Rose
1973-75 Carl Flegal
1972-73 Bruce Bell
1970-72 Shirley Sisk
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1970-1964
1969-70 Harry Sheppard
1968-69 Robert Andersen
1966-68 Elizabeth Flegal
1965-66 Russell Rabeneau
1964-65 Fran MacGregor