David Harman, the conductor and music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is stepping down at the end of the upcoming 2013-14 season.
His decision was announced at the organization's annual retreat at Rotary Sunshine Camp. Harman says its been a "tremendous honor and great privilege" to serve as music director of the youth orchestra for the past 20 years, but he says retiring from those duties will give him more time to spend with his family and explore new directions.
Harman will continue as Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities at the U of R River Campus and Music Director of the Penfield Symphony.
The Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is made up of more than 100 middle and high school musicians from over 30 schools in the Rochester area.
