Dr. Walter Pavasaris
symphony orchestra

Dr. Walter Pavasaris has conducted NMYO’s Symphony Orchestra since 2011. He held the same position with Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra from 2006-2011. Dr. Pavasaris graduated from Hartt College of Music, earned an M.M. in String Instruments from the University of Michigan, and his Ed.D. from Boston University. He currently serves on the faculty at The Boston Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, and Gordon College. Until June 2009, Dr. Pavasaris was the Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts in the Lexington Public Schools.

Dr. Pavasaris continues to be active as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician throughout New England.  In 1992, and from 1999-2001, he was the guest conductor of the United States Youth Ensemble String Orchestra during their European tours.

In 1992 Dr. Pavasaris was the recipient of the Paul Smith "Conductor of the Year Award" from the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA), and in 1996 the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) acknowledged his many contributions to music and music education by bestowing on him the Lowell Mason Award. In 2007 he received the Massachusetts Music Educators Association 'Visionary Leadership Award' and in 2009 the prestigious 'Distinguished Service Award.’ In 2017 Dr. Pavasaris was given the Berklee College of Music 'Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence' and was also named 'Orchestra Director of the Year' by the American String Teacher's Association.