Holland Area Youth Orchestra welcomes Josh Zallar to the podium as the new conductor of the youth orchestra starting in September, 2024.

Josh Zallar is a violinist, conductor and music educator. He gained his musical studies from the Chicago College for the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL, where he pursed degrees in performance and music education. Upon completing his training, he returned to his hometown of Milwaukee, where he taught for Milwaukee Public Schools and the West Bend School District. While orchestra director at West Bend High Schools, he brought his orchestra on a tour of England and Scotland, commissioned new works, and collaborated with various rock/folk music groups to create exciting and unique experiences for his students. During this tenure Mr. Zallar helped grow the high school orchestra program to the largest in the state. Upon moving to West Michigan, he worked for Jenison Public Schools, has been a frequent clinician in the area, and, most recently, has been the orchestra director at Calvin University for the past 2 years. As an accomplished violinist, Mr. Zallar regularly performs with the Holland Symphony Orchestra, the West Michigan Symphony, and performs with other various musical organizations throughout the region.  He is lucky to spend his time with his wonderful wife, Sara, and his two energetic children, Jack and Olivia.  Auditions will be held at local high schools in the spring of 2024.  Video submissions will also be accepted.  See the application portion of the website.