Virtual Peer Forums

Virtual Peer Forums (VPFs) are peer-to-peer conversations led by a facilitator and designed to connect you with your counterparts at other orchestras and ensembles in the ACSO network. This is a space to exchange ideas, ask questions, share challenges, and offer practices that have worked well (or not) for you and your organization. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to strengthen your professional networks and find colleagues to rely on for support.

VPFs are complimentary for members and $10 for not-yet-members. Registration is required. Date, times, and facilitators are subject to change. More peer forums may be added to the schedule. Email [email protected] with questions or registration assistance. 

Click here to review the ACSO Peer Group Attendance Policy before you register.

Click here to review ACSO's Commitment to Antitrust Laws.

VIRTUAL PEER FORUM SCHEDULE

The following VPFs are scheduled for Fall 2025. More VPFs will be announced in early 2025. 

Wednesday, November 13 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS BOARD & STAFF
Facilitator: Chelsea Chambers, Peninsula Symphony of Northern California
Register

Wednesday, November 20 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
YOUTH ORCHESTRAS BOARD & STAFF
Facilitators: Alex Chu, Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra & Nadia Liu, Young People's Symphony Orchestra
Register

Thursday, November 21 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS WITH BUDGETS UNDER $1 MILLION
Facilitator: Kevin Eberle-Noel, Redlands Symphony
Register

Tuesday, December 3 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
MUSIC FESTIVALS BOARD & STAFF
Facilitator: Alessandra Aquilanti, Music@Menlo
Register

Wednesday, December 4 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STAFF
Facilitator: Issy Roberts, Long Beach Symphony
Register

Tuesday, December 10 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
DEVELOPMENT STAFF
Facilitator: Emily Rankin, Pacific Symphony
Register

Thursday, December 12 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
MARKETING & PATRON SERVICES STAFF
Facilitator: Ellen Armour, Fresno Philharmonic
Register

Tuesday, December 17 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
BOARD MEMBERS OF PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRAS
Facilitator: Anne-Marie Spataru, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Register

Wednesday, December 18 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
ARTISTIC LEADERS, CONDUCTORS, COMPOSERS, AND MUSICIANS 
Facilitator: Ryan Murray, Auburn Symphony; Modesto Symphony; Music in the Mountains
Register

Thursday, December 19 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
OPERATIONS STAFF 
Facilitator: Sunshine Deffner, California Symphony
Register

ACSO Peer Group Attendance Policy

ACSO may maintain up to twelve Peer Groups for Orchestra Professionals (subject to change):

  • CEOs of Professional Orchestras with Budgets over $1 million
  • Executive Directors of Professional Orchestras with Budgets Under $1 million
  • Youth Orchestra Staff and Board Leaders
  • Community Orchestra Staff and Board Leaders
  • Music Festival Staff and Board Leaders
  • Development Staff
  • Operations Staff
  • Education and Community Engagement Staff
  • Finance & HR Staff
  • Marketing & Patron Services Staff
  • Board Members/Trustees
  • Artistic Leaders & Musicians

ACSO Peer Group meetings (virtual or in-person) are only open to individuals who hold the relevant roles within an orchestra or music ensemble. You do not have to be part of an ACSO member orchestra to attend, but you must be associated with an orchestra or music ensemble. Because sensitive or confidential information may be shared, peer group meetings are not recorded and are not open to the public, including business members or other companies, unless specifically invited. Please do not register for a peer group meeting if you are not part of that peer group or your registration will be canceled. 

 Antitrust Guidelines

ACSO commits to comply with federal and state antitrust laws, which are designed to protect this country’s free competitive economy, without stifling reasonable conversations among peers.

Within ACSO-sanctioned programs and communication channels, we ask participants to avoid any discussions or conduct that might violate antitrust laws, raise an appearance of impropriety, or might later be viewed as evidence that competitors had coordinated or “signaled” one another about their respective market intentions.

For example, avoid discussions about specific prices for tickets/events or other services and products and avoid discussions about specific amounts of salary, wages, or benefits paid to any employee.

Review the League of American Orchestras antitrust guidelines for the orchestra sector.