Sam Ross graduated with a Master’s of Music in Conducting in 2024 from the Graduate Conducting Program at Bard Conservatory in New York studying under James Bagwell, and a Bachelor’s Degree in viola performance in 2022 from the University of Oregon. Mr. Ross was a teaching artist with the Eugene Symphony during the 2024-25 season, working with the Douglas County Youth Orchestras in Roseburg OR. He has also performed with numerous orchestras as a professional violist with the Bard Conservatory Orchestra, the Eugene Symphony, Oregon Mozart Players, Vancouver Symphony (WA), the Newport Symphony and the Orchestra Next. Known as a champion of contemporary music and music by underrepresented composers, Mr. Ross will bring an exciting perspective to the 78th season of the orchestra. He relays, “I’m so honored and excited to get started as Music Director of the Grande Ronde Symphony! It’s a big responsibility taking the helm of an orchestra with such a long and rich history of musical excellence, but I’m ready to start this new chapter with you.” Ross is currently splitting his time between Portland with the Tilikum Chamber Orchestra, Pendleton with the Oregon East Symphony Youth Orchestra and La Grande.
