"Called Up to the Majors: Orchestra Fantasy Camp" - An Interview with Conductor Nicholas Hersh, Principal Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Academy

You’ve heard of side-by-side concerts, but what happens when adult amateur musicians don’t just drop in for a night, they move into the orchestra for an entire week? We sit down with conductor Nicholas Hersh to unpack the Baltimore Symphony Academy, a rare program where participants rehearse and perform shoulder to shoulder with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians in a true “fantasy camp” for orchestra lovers.We talk through what the week actually feels like: immediate sectionals, deep coaching from BSO players, chamber music options, multiple rehearsals that build real ensemble habits, and a final showcase concert that brings it all together on a major stage. Nicholas explains the tricky planning behind the scenes, from managing oversized wind and brass sections to pairing participants with professionals on the stand, and he shares how the mentoring culture changes the energy for everyone in the room.Then we go bigger. Why does this kind of lifelong music making matter right now? Nicholas makes the case that playing music together may be one of the most human things we can do, and that orchestras can serve their communities by creating serious, joyful spaces for people who play for love. We also close with practical advice for young musicians: build a wide tool belt, stay open to new genres, and give your career more than one path forward.If you enjoy stories about orchestral life, conducting, adult music education, and the real purpose of classical music, subscribe, share this with a musician friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.For more information on Nick: https://www.nicholashersh.com/You can also find Nick on Instagram: @nicholashershFor more information on the Academy: https://www.bsomusic.org/education/academy/If you are looking for in person/virtual cello lessons, or orchestral repertoire audition coachings, check out www.theCelloSherpa.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads & YouTube: @theCelloSherpaFor more information on our sponsor: www.CLEAResources.com