Meet David!

A native of Oneonta and proud product of its public schools, David Rowley brings four decades of educational leadership and deep community roots to the Guest Conductor Competition. A graduate of Oneonta High School who attended both Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta, David built a forty-year career in public education across six school districts, serving as a High School Teacher, Coach, High School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent — including nine years as Superintendent of Edmeston Central School District and stints at Stamford CSD and Oneonta CSD. Since retiring from education, he has channeled that same dedication into community service, currently holding leadership roles on numerous boards and foundations across Otsego County. David and his wife Gail are enthusiastic CSO supporters who see the orchestra as a cultural centerpiece for the entire region — and the Wendy Brown Cabaret Fundraiser as one of the year's most uplifting evenings. As for his qualifications on the podium? David is refreshingly candid: he has next to no musical experience and freely admits his "floundering should be entertaining." With nothing to lose and everything to gain, he may be the most dangerous competitor on the stage.

Help David win the baton and conduct the Catskill Symphony Orchestra at this year's Guest Conductor Competition!

How to vote:

Votes are tallied through dollars donated ($1 = 1 vote). Voting is now open and donations may be made through:

Donate online: GiveButter (givebutter.com/CSORowley - this page!)
Donate by mail: Checks mailed to the Catskill Symphony Orchestra and received by May 6th (note the donation for David's campaign in the memo)
Donate live: Join us on May 9th at the Hunt Union Ballroom at SUNY Oneonta, to donate in person and meet David live, and take in a splendid evening of the works of George Gershwin!

Tickets available at catskillsymphony.org/concerts (all tickets are Cabaret-style seating; students always free -- including the May 9 concert -- and up to two parents/guardians accompanying students are only $10 per individual). Seating is limited -- reserve your tickets as soon as possible!

David Rowley - Catskill Symphony Guest Conductor Contender

Help David win the baton on May 9th!