SSC Youth Orchestra, Repertory conductor
Teaching Artist Statement
My passion for learning inspired me to become a teacher and conductor. I aim to instill in students a state of wonder, curiosity, and excitement through performance in orchestra. Students learn so much by listening, imagining, creating, and collaborating together in orchestra, and in the process, experience growth as musicians and human beings. It brings me great joy to see the sparkle in students’ eyes and the smiles on their faces when they experience “aha!” moments and hear the wonderful sound of each section of the orchestra playing together. I look forward to working with new and returning students at SSCYO this year!
Teaching Bio
David Palombo received his Master’s in Music Education from Boston University in 2013 and BHA in Violin Performance and Anthropology from Carnegie Mellon University in 2006. Originally from Atlanta, GA, David has been leading orchestra programs in Massachusetts since 2012. He is currently the Middle School Orchestra Director at Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS). Prior to teaching in Plymouth, David was a leader in El Sistema–inspired programs throughout Greater Boston. He was Director of El Sistema Somerville in Somerville Public Schools, Artistic Director of Youth and Family Enrichment Services (YOFES) in Hyde Park, and Conductor at the Josiah Quincy Orchestra Program in Downtown Boston. He has conducted elementary, middle, and high school string and symphonic orchestras. As a private teacher, David has maintained large studios of violin and viola students who have received many honors, such as winning auditions for District and All-State Orchestras. David is excited to continue conducting the Repertory Orchestra at SSC this year! He started with South Shore Conservatory in 2020.
Performance Bio
David’s notable conducting achievements include leading the 2021 and 2022 Jr. SEMSBA Orchestras, conducting youth orchestras in Greater Boston El Sistema Showcases, receiving all superior ratings at the Trills and Thrills Music Festival, guest conducting the Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra, and leading the first Symphony Orchestra performance at the SSC Summer Music Festival in Hingham in 2022. Through the non-profit BLUME Haiti, David conducted youth orchestras at summer music camps in Jacmel and Cap Haitien, Haiti. David is actively involved with the Southeastern District and SEMSBA organizations and is a regular adjudicator for the junior and senior levels. As a violinist, David has freelanced with various orchestras including the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Hollywood Concert Orchestra, and Albany Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has studied historically-informed performance on baroque violin and performed with the Boston University Baroque Orchestra. Additionally, David is an avid fiddle player who enjoys playing traditional Celtic and Old-time American fiddle.