The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) is honored to announce the 2026 recipients of the Community Impact Award, Executive Leadership Award, Emerging Professional Award, Young Musician Leadership Award, and Most Valuable Player (MVP) Volunteer Award.

Awards will be presented at ACSO’s Annual Conference, August 6-8, in Santa Rosa. Congratulations to all the worthy nominees and recipients!

Community Impact Award

• San Bernardino Symphony Association

Executive Leadership Award

• Silvia Regalado-Zachlod, Executive Director, Napa Valley Youth Symphony

Emerging Professional Award

• Marie Hébert, Director of Education, Santa Barbara Symphony

Young Musician Leadership Award

• Ella McGowan, Violist, Santa Barbara Symphony's Youth Ensembles and Founder, Mindful Strings

MVP Volunteer Award

• Cliff Beach, Board Member, Culver City Symphony Orchestra
• Bonnie Bernhardt, Volunteer and Former Board Member, Vallejo Symphony
• David Dwelle, Board Treasurer, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
• Dean McVay, Emeritus Board Member, San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra
• Santa Rosa Symphony League

“As an arts service organization, ACSO is in the unique position to bear witness to the impactful work of hundreds of incredible people and organizations throughout the performing arts. Through our awards program, we can publicly honor and recognize those whose extraordinary vision, keen leadership, determination and grit, and unshakeable connection to their communities have been particularly impactful,” said Sarah Weber, ACSO Executive Director. "We are inspired by the awardees and the innovation, fearlessness, and deep sense of service they bring to their work."

Thank you to the ACSO Awards Review Committee for their careful, sensitive, and thoughtful consideration of all nominees: Jessica Bejarano, Connor Bogenrief, Anne Brown, Michael Remson, Kelly Ruggirello, Stephen Salts, Ellen Armour Stein, and Sarah Weber.

Keep reading to learn more about the 2026 Award Recipients and their accomplishments.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

The Community Impact Award recognizes an ACSO organizational member that demonstrates thoughtful and innovative community impact through programs, partnerships, concerts, or initiatives that respond to local needs, expand access, strengthen inclusion and belonging, and build meaningful community relationships. 

The San Bernardino Symphony Association

The San Bernardino Symphony Association is being recognized for the transformative impact of its San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestras Program, a growing youth music education initiative serving students in grades 6–12 across the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley. 

Originally launched in 2021 as a Youth Winds ensemble, the initiative expanded into a full youth symphony in 2024. When enrollment outgrew available rehearsal space, SBSO launched the San Bernardino Symphony Overture Orchestra in 2025 to serve younger middle school musicians. Today, the program serves more than 120 students, creating a comprehensive ladder of musical development that previously did not exist in the region. 

“This program has exceeded even my own expectations. It is leveling the playing field in a way few arts organizations ever achieve,” said Anthony Parnther, Music Director and Conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. 

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD

This prestigious award honors CEOs and executive directors of ACSO member organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership in the orchestra field. Recipients are recognized for advancing their organization’s mission, setting an inspiring vision, navigating complex challenges, and uniting their teams to meet the evolving demands of orchestral music.

Silvia Regalado-Zachlod, Executive Director, Napa Valley Youth Symphony

Silvia Regalado-Zachlod is being recognized for her transformative leadership at Napa Valley Youth Symphony (NVYS) and her commitment to expanding access, belonging, and opportunity in music education.

With a deeply student-centered vision, Silvia has helped reshape NVYS from a traditional youth orchestra into a comprehensive music education ecosystem designed to support young musicians and their families at every stage of development. Her leadership is rooted in a simple but powerful question: What does each student need to grow? 

Under Silvia’s leadership, NVYS has expanded access to music education through a pathway-based model that supports students from early instruction through advanced ensemble participation, mentorship, and family engagement. By strengthening community partnerships and modernizing operations, she has positioned NVYS as both a thriving youth orchestra and a vital regional leader in music education. 

ACSO Executive Director Sarah Weber said, “Silvia Regalado-Zachlod exemplifies visionary leadership. By centering accessibility, representation, and long-term community impact, Silvia has inspired staff, board members, educators, and families to reimagine what a youth orchestra can be and whom it can serve.”

EMERGING PROFESSIONAL AWARD

The Emerging Professional Award honors an individual with fewer than five years in the orchestral field who has already made significant contributions to their organization and demonstrated strong potential for leadership and continued professional growth. 

Marie Hébert, Director of Education, Santa Barbara Symphony

Marie Hébert was nominated by Kathryn Martin, Santa Barbara Symphony President and CEO, for her extraordinary leadership in expanding music education access, building inclusive pathways for young musicians, and strengthening the Santa Barbara Symphony’s community impact through innovative programming and strategic growth.  

Marie has played a transformative role in expanding the Santa Barbara Symphony’s education programs, growing its Youth Ensembles into a three-tier pathway serving 115 students in grades 3–12 while creating new opportunities for younger and intermediate musicians. She has prioritized accessibility through scholarships, instrument support, and lessons, ensuring financial barriers do not limit participation. She also oversees the Symphony’s Music Van program, which brings hands-on music education to nearly 2,000 students annually across 45 schools in Santa Barbara County, and coordinates numerous performance and enrichment opportunities that deepen student engagement.

“Marie Hébert is a detail-oriented, efficient, and passionate leader,” said Genevieve Ebberhard, Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles Coordinator. “She works tirelessly to ensure our students have the best musical experience possible, finding resourceful and creative solutions. She is always looking ahead and looking for ways to improve. Marie is incredibly knowledgeable and a wonderful person to work with!”

YOUNG MUSICIAN LEADERSHIP AWARD

Launched in 2023, the Young Musician Leadership Award honors a middle school, high school, or college student who performs in a music ensemble and shows exceptional promise as a future leader in the performing arts. Award recipients go above and beyond to serve their orchestra, school, peer group, or community through leadership, vision, and service.

Ella McGowan, Violist, Santa Barbara Symphony's Youth Ensembles & Founder, Mindful Strings

Ella McGowan was nominated by Marie Hébert, Director of Education, Santa Barbara Symphony for her exceptional musicianship, leadership, and commitment to service through music. Along with playing front desk of the Youth Symphony viola section for many seasons and serving as principal for one, Ella also founded her own non-profit string quintet in 2023 called Mindful Strings. The organization brings live classical music to individuals facing significant hardship, including cancer patients undergoing treatment, trauma survivors, seniors in memory care, and families navigating grief.

Ella’s passion for service is rooted in her own artistic journey. Her involvement in the performing arts began in childhood through singing, acting, and dancing with the Santa Barbara Revels Company, where she developed vocal and choral skills and discovered confidence through artistic expression. As she progressed through the Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles—from Camerata to Philharmonia to Youth Symphony—she developed a conviction that music carries a responsibility beyond the stage.

According to Dr. Daniel Gee, Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Symphony Director, “Ella’s development and leadership of Mindful Strings demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit coupled with a heart for our community. It is very impressive for a high school age student to spearhead such a project, and it speaks to Ella being an exceptional musician with service to others being at the core of her work.” 

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP) VOLUNTEER AWARD

Established in 1996, the MVP Volunteer Award honors exemplary individuals and volunteer organizations that contribute meaningfully to the success and sustainability of orchestras and classical music organizations across California and the western United States.

Cliff Beach, Board Member, Culver City Symphony Orchestra

Cliff Beach serves as a board member of the Culver City Symphony Orchestra and has made significant contributions through his leadership in media, community engagement, and donor relations. He helped secure major promotional opportunities, including a radio grant, print coverage, and podcast interviews spotlighting young musicians, increasing public awareness of the orchestra’s impact. Through his work on community relations, fundraising systems, and strategic partnerships, Cliff has strengthened audience engagement, improved operational efficiency, and advanced the orchestra’s mission of making high-quality orchestral music accessible to the community.

Cliff was nominated by fellow symphony volunteer William Barnes, who highlighted Ciff’s leadership, marketing expertise, media relationships, and community outreach efforts in support of the orchestra’s growth and visibility. 

“As a professional musician, author, and media personality, Cliff brings valuable industry insight, creativity, and community connections that continue to support the orchestra’s growth, visibility, and mission of making orchestral music and arts education accessible to the broader community,” said Barnes. 

Bonnie Bernhardt, Volunteer & Former Board Member, Vallejo Symphony

Bonnie Bernhardt was nominated by former Vallejo Symphony Board President Mary Eichbauer, who highlighted Bonnie's decades of leadership, organizational expertise, and unwavering commitment to the Vallejo Symphony. 

Bonnie has made lasting contributions to the Vallejo Symphony as both a leader and dedicated community advocate. Drawing on her background in education and deep local connections, she helped recruit board members, strengthen fundraising efforts, and expand the Symphony’s network of supporters and professional partners. As a longtime board member and Treasurer, her leadership, organizational expertise, and commitment played a vital role in the Symphony’s stability, growth, and continued success. 

“Bonnie is the person who keeps everybody on the right track. Bonnie has the knack to put things in order. She works with many people who admire her and take her advice,” said Eichbauer. 

David Dwelle, Board Treasurer, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera

David Dwelle was nominated by Angela Zullinger, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera (SP&O) Director of Finance, who praised his extraordinary leadership, financial expertise, and transformational impact on the organization. 

In an incredibly short tenure, David has fundamentally transformed SP&O’s financial health and board culture, demonstrating exceptional dedication to the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. 

David has elevated financial leadership within the SP&O by bringing exceptional clarity, strategic insight, and professionalism to financial planning. His creation of a long-requested financial dashboard significantly improved visibility into the organization’s finances and strengthened board decision-making. Through clear communication, collaborative leadership, and generous personal investment of both time and resources, he has helped foster greater confidence, stronger governance, and long-term stability for the organization. 

“David’s unique blend of strategic leadership, financial generosity, and uplifting energy has inspired our entire board to aim higher. He is the definition of an indispensable volunteer leader, and he is highly deserving of this recognition from ACSO,” said Zullinger.

Dean McVay, Emeritus Board Member, San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra

Dean McVay was nominated by Anne Viricel, San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO) Executive Director, who highlighted his extraordinary leadership, long-standing service, and transformative impact on the Symphony.

Since joining the SBSO board in 2004, Dean has been a driving force for the arts in the Inland Empire. His early work on the marketing committee helped transform the Symphony’s local presence, and his exceptional service across multiple leadership roles earned him the organization’s prestigious Golden Baton Award in 2015. 

Dean's leadership continued to grow as he became a board officer and later served as Board President from 2017 to 2022. His tenure was marked by several pivotal achievements that strengthened the organization’s artistic vision, financial stability, and community impact, including leading the search committee that brought Maestro Anthony Parnther to the San Bernadino Symphony.

“While most orchestras are guided by a board of directors, few can boast a leader as dedicated as Dean McVay,” said Viricel. “Known throughout the community for both his steadfast leadership and joyful presence, Dean remains a beloved figure among patrons, musicians, and board members alike. His legacy is reflected not only in the Symphony’s growth and resilience, but in the lasting culture of optimism, excellence, and community stewardship he helped build.” 

Santa Rosa Symphony League

The Santa Rosa Symphony League was nominated by Garth Bixler, Board Chair of the Santa Rosa Symphony, who highlighted the League’s extraordinary service, philanthropy, and long-standing commitment to the organization. 

The Santa Rosa Symphony League is a dedicated volunteer organization of 62 members committed to advancing the Symphony’s artistic excellence and music education programs. Since 1958, the League has played a vital role in fostering community support for orchestral music in Sonoma County, contributing thousands of volunteer hours and more than $1 million to sustain and grow the Symphony’s impact. 

The League supports the Symphony through fundraising events, office assistance, and one of its most cherished traditions -- providing meals and refreshments for orchestra rehearsals across seven concert sets each season.

“Through service, philanthropy, and advocacy, the League amplifies the Symphony’s ability to fulfill its mission—enhancing artistic quality, expanding educational access, and reinforcing its role as a vital cultural resource,” said Bixler. “League members have helped foster a strong sense of shared ownership in the organization’s success and reinforced the Symphony’s role as a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life.”