Kenneth T. Bean
Director & Conductor, YMDO
Kenneth T. Bean is a highly respected conductor and music educator, renowned for his clear, efficient, and elegant conducting style. He has been the Assistant Conductor of Symphony in C since 2018, where he also co-directed the Symphony in C Summer Music Camp and was the founding Music Director of the Symphony in C Youth Orchestra, leading the ensemble from its inception in 2014 through the 2023-2024 season. Currently, Kenneth serves as the Georg and Joyce Albers-Schonberg Assistant Conductor of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, a role that includes conducting the Symphonic Orchestra of the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey. He is also the founding Director and Conductor of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute’s Young Musicians Debut Orchestra, demonstrating his commitment to cultivating the next generation of orchestral musicians.
In addition to his year-round commitments, Kenneth is active in summer music education, serving as the Conductor of Chorus and Orchestras for Kinhaven Music School’s Junior Session, where he most recently held the position of Interim Director. His leadership at Kinhaven reflects his dedication to fostering a vibrant and supportive learning environment for young musicians.
Kenneth’s past roles include Assistant Conductor for the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra and Associate Conductor of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. He has also served as Music Director of the Junior String Philharmonic of the Lehigh Valley, the Young Peoples Philharmonic of the Lehigh Valley, Resident Conductor of the Luzerne Music Center Junior Session in New York, and Music Director of Music and Mindfulness in Northern Virginia. These diverse experiences highlight his versatility and breadth of expertise across various musical settings.
A staunch advocate for youth music access and education, Kenneth is the Co-Founder and Associate Director of The Primavera Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to disrupting inequity in classical music by mentoring and financially supporting promising students in Philadelphia. Through The Primavera Fund, Kenneth works tirelessly to ensure that talented young musicians from underrepresented communities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Kenneth’s love of music is evident in every aspect of his career. His artistic vision and unwavering commitment to musical integrity consistently bring out the best in his students and earn the respect of fellow musicians. He has shared the stage with many of the country’s most prominent musicians and soloists, including violinist Jennifer Koh, cellist Thomas Mesa, Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim, and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Principal Trumpet Billy Hunter. His guest conducting appearances include engagements with the Oberlin Conservatory, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the American Repertory Ballet, where he led the world premiere of Ethan Stiefel’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2022.
Kenneth’s academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Music Education from Jackson State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Trumpet Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music. His educational background and extensive experience in conducting and music education have equipped him with the skills and insight needed to excel in his various roles.
Kenneth T. Bean continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike with his dedication, artistry, and passion for music education, making a profound impact on the musical landscape and the lives of the young artists he mentors.