Symphoria

PAUL MCSHEE recently joined Symphoria, the nonprofit professional orchestra of Central New York, as its youth orchestra music director. He will be directing Symphoria’s youth orchestras, which give students with a passion for music an opportunity to develop their skills, refine their musicianship, and cultivate an overall appreciation for excellence in music with other similarly interested students. Students receive coaching from Symphoria musicians, masterclasses with selected guest artists, and a side-by-side performance experience with Symphoria musicians. McShee is currently the assistant professor of orchestral studies at Binghamton University. He has guest conducted many orchestras, including the Baltimore Symphony and the London Paradisal Players.

DONNA VICKERS has also recently joined Symphoria as full-time marketing coordinator. She is tasked with continuing to expand audience awareness about what Symphoria brings to Central New York and the arts community. Prior to moving to Syracuse in 2020, Vickers spent several years as a band director. She holds a master’s degree from Le Moyne College in arts administration, and a bachelor’s degree in music education. Vickers served as the graduate assistant for the arts administration program at Le Moyne, which helped prepare her for her role at Symphoria.