Governance
The OSYO is a not-for-profit corporation governed by an all-volunteer board with daily operations overseen by the OSYO Team
Board of Directors
The OSYO is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
This dedicated group of individuals work to ensure that the organization meets its governance and compliance obligations, shape and guide the strategic direction of the orchestra, advocate for our young musicians, and work to build stronger community relationships.
Laura Fitzpatrick
Co-Chair
Shashi Fernando
Co-Chair
Angela Li
Treasurer
Angela is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a finance manager in the Public Sector focusing on strategic planning and policies. She joined the OSYO at the end of 2023, and her daughter is currently a flute player in the Youth Band
Zina Rutnam
Secretary
Jen Ballantyne
Director
Jen Ballantyne has over 20 years of experience in corporate communications working for companies that include IBM Canada, Loblaw Companies and, currently, 1Password. As a flutist, Jen has performed in community-based ensembles since she was a teen. She joined the OSYO board in 2023 to help create similar positive experiences for today’s youth. Her daughter currently plays flute with the Youth Band.
Andre Gallant
Director
Andre is the senior director of technology and logistics for JA Canada, where he designs and implements IT solutions to reach over a quarter-million young minds each year and engage them in thinking about their future. He joined the board in 2023, and is the proud father of two: a philharmonia violinist and an aspiring artist.
Zhen Zhou
Director
Zhen is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 15 years of experience, serving as a partner at a local accounting firm since 2016. She is highly passionate about community service, dedicating her time to various initiatives that support youth development and cultural enrichment. In 2023, Zhen joined the OSYO board to help foster a love of music in young people and contribute to building a strong, vibrant arts community. Her older son plays violin in the Philharmonia, and her younger son plays cello with the Sinfonia Group.
Tracey Gregoris
Director
Raymond Lieu
Director
Direct inquiries to the board can be made to board@osyo.ca
Read our By-laws (PDF)
Download PDFMessage from our Chairs
The Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra (OSYO) welcomes young musicians in Oakville and beyond to an exceptional orchestral experience. As part of the OSYO community, you will enjoy a rich blend of enriching rehearsals with like-minded musicians, stage performances, festival competitions, and travel experiences, all with the support and comradery of fellow musicians and dedicated conductors.
OSYO was one of the few youth orchestras that offered a complete season even through COVID demonstrating our resilience and commitment to musical growth.
With every season, we are getting closer to our goal to become a premier youth orchestra in the region. Over the past several years we have grown from two ensembles – the Philharmonia and Symphony Orchestra – to four. The Sinfonia is for our youngest string players and a Concert Orchestra for less experienced players. We encourage you to attend one of our rehearsals or enjoy a concerts to see the quality and depth of our young musical performances and their amazing conductors Colin Clarke and Esteban Cambre.
Our affiliation with the Oakville Symphony offers additional enrichment opportunities, such as mentorship and musical experiences across generations. Together, we have a common vision – to enhance the Oakville arts community and o foster the development of youth in their musical journey. Our collective vision is to see turn young people grow into life-long musicians. We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our events!
Laura Fitzpatrick and Shashi Fernando
Co-Chairs
Past Board Directors
