Happenings

The Yakima Symphony Orchestra (YSO) is excited to announce the appointment of Sam McClung as its new Executive Director, effective April 2025. McClung, an alumnus of Central Washington University in Ellensburg, returns to the region to lead YSO into an exciting new chapter.

“We at the Yakima Symphony Orchestra are excited about having Sam McClung join us as our new Executive Director,” says David Helseth, former Board Chair and acting Executive Director of YSO. “Sam’s energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge about running an orchestra will be transforming for us and our community. We look forward to this new era and the wonderful music that we will all enjoy through the leadership of Maestro Golan and the talented musicians on stage.”

McClung joins YSO following four successful seasons in various artistic and administrative roles with the GRAMMY-nominated chamber orchestra, Santa Fe Pro Musica. His tenure with Pro Musica provided him with extensive industry knowledge, as he took on numerous leadership positions, including general manager, marketing manager, bookkeeper, music librarian, program book publisher, Board liaison, artistic operations manager, press relations coordinator, fundraiser, and human resources manager. His versatility and commitment were noted by Mark Tiarks in Santa Fe magazine Pasatiempo: “[Santa Fe Pro Musica will] be joined by Sam McClung, who pulls triple duty as Pro Musica’s second clarinet, music librarian, and marketing manager.”

As marketing manager, McClung spearheaded a campaign that brought in more than 2,000 audience members for the 2024 performances of Mozart’s Requiem, marking Pro Musica’s largest post-pandemic audience. His multifaceted experience and leadership skills make him an exceptional fit for YSO as it continues to grow and expand its artistic reach in Central Washington. 

In addition to his administrative and leadership background, McClung is an accomplished clarinetist. He holds degrees in music performance from Central Washington University and the University of New Mexico and has performed with the Santa Fe Pro Musica Orchestra, New Mexico Philharmonic, Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra, and Spokane Symphony. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra and worked as a marketing specialist for Sandscape Publications. Reflecting on his new role, McClung shared:

“It is an honor to join the Yakima Symphony Orchestra as Executive Director. As an audience member, I have long admired the extraordinary artistic vision of Music Director Lawrence Golan and the skill and passion of the orchestra musicians. I feel that Yakima is a very special place for music making, and the Yakima Symphony Orchestra proudly serves as its artistic heart. For over 50 years, in fellowship with each other, the Yakima community has sustained the symphonic tradition. There is a role for all of us who take part in the rich legacy of classical music. With your support through ticket purchases and donations, and the work of our dedicated staff and Board, we can make music together for decades to come!”

YSO Music Director, Lawrence Golan, also welcomed Sam to YSO and expressed his excitement for the opportunities ahead at YSO.

"I am very much looking forward to working with Sam McClung as our new Executive Director,” says Golan. “He is intelligent and talented, and comes to us with fresh energy, excitement, and enthusiasm. I believe that we will make an excellent team and, together with the extremely talented musicians, staff and board members of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, will bring the organization to new heights not seen here before."

The Yakima Symphony Orchestra looks forward to the leadership and vision McClung will bring to the organization as it continues to inspire and engage audiences throughout Central Washington.