Dr. Walter Pavasaris has conducted NMYO’s Symphony Orchestra since 2011. He held the same position with Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra from 2006 to 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 of Music in Music Education. He also is Music Director of the Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra and Adjunct faculty at 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 an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor 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 MICCA, and in 1996 the Massachusetts Music Educators Association 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'.