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

  • 2030-2020

    2026-Current Dr. Diana Engel-Holmes

    2024-2026 Donald Pipkin

    2020-2024 Lisa Lorenz

  • 2020-2010

    2024-2026 Donald Pipkin

    2020-2024 Lisa Lorenz

    2014-2020 Mark Green

    2012-14 Steve Pietkiewicz

    2010-12 Steve Cho/Steve Pietkiewicz

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 1970-1964

    1969-70 Harry Sheppard

    1968-69 Robert Andersen

    1966-68 Elizabeth Flegal

    1965-66 Russell Rabeneau

    1964-65 Fran MacGregor