MEDFORD, OREGON – The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon (YSSO) has announced the appointment of Nathanael Hooper as its new Music Director and Conductor, following an extensive year-long national search. Hooper, whose selection came after a rigorous process that included valuable input from student musicians, is set to officially begin his tenure in August 2025. This significant leadership transition marks a new chapter for the esteemed youth arts organization as it embarks on its 38th performance season.
Hooper steps into a role previously held for three decades by the highly regarded Cynthia Hutton, who concluded her distinguished service with her final concert in May. The search committee was particularly impressed by Hooper’s extensive background in music education, his philosophy on engaging students, and his welcoming demeanor. Sally Snyder, President of YSSO’s governing board, highlighted Hooper’s detailed and thoughtful responses during interviews, especially his empathetic and open-minded approach to working with young musicians.
A New Era of Musical Leadership
Nathanael Hooper brings a robust academic and practical foundation to his new position. He holds a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Music in education from Brigham Young University-Idaho. His professional experience includes serving as an assistant conductor for both the Oklahoma State University symphony orchestra and its youth and community orchestra. Beyond the podium, Hooper has taught orchestra and band as a music teacher in schools across Arizona and Idaho, underscoring his commitment to nurturing young talent. He expressed his excitement for the new role, calling the opportunity a “unicorn job” due to the high quality of the orchestra and the rich repertoire established by his predecessor.
Hooper’s vision aligns with YSSO’s core mission, which emphasizes providing high-level training and performance experiences that foster a lifelong appreciation for classical music and the arts. He is eager to cultivate strong relationships between teachers, schools, students, and other music organizations, aiming to create more meaningful programs for families and the broader community. His stated desire is to continue the spirit of collaboration and excellence while growing the musicianship of the students and expanding community participation.
Enhancing Student Engagement and Community Reach
As YSSO transitions under Hooper’s leadership, the organization is also implementing strategic initiatives aimed at enriching the student experience and broadening its community impact. A key focus will be to increase student involvement on stage, allowing them to speak more frequently during performances, fostering confidence and direct connection with audiences. Additionally, the YSSO plans to provide more performance opportunities for small ensembles, making their music more accessible at local events throughout Southern Oregon.
Technological modernization is also on the agenda, with improvements planned for ticketing systems, communication channels like text chains, and social media presence. These updates are designed to streamline operations and enhance accessibility for both musicians and audiences, improving the overall cultural life and leisure options in the region.
Auditions and Upcoming Performances
The immediate focus for the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon is the upcoming audition period for the 2025-2026 season. These auditions are scheduled for September, specifically September 5th, 6th, and 7th for strings and harp, September 8th for woodwinds, and September 10th for brass and percussion. This will be Hooper’s first direct opportunity to engage with individual students and assess their talents as they prepare for the season ahead.
The new season will culminate in the first concert series under Hooper’s direction, scheduled for November 2025. These performances are highly anticipated and represent the inaugural public showcasing of the orchestra’s work under its new conductor. The YSSO, a vital part of the news landscape for youth arts in Oregon, continues its tradition of presenting inspiring performances of standard literature, masterworks, and commissioned music in top professional venues across the Rogue Valley. The organization’s commitment to artistic quality and community enrichment ensures a vibrant future for young musicians in the region.
