CARMINA EYLAR
Arts administrator, bassist, and ACSO donor

ACSO is excited to shine a spotlight on arts administrator, bassist, and ACSO donor Carmina Eylar. The interview was conducted by Alessandra Aquilanti, ACSO Board member and Development Director at Music@Menlo.

What is your background in the arts?
I'm a bit of everything in the arts: I play bass (sort of…I spent more time snacking in the practice room than actually practicing), I love listening to music, and I've worn the hat of an arts administrator and devoted supporter.

In college, I was juggling insurance forms by day and music notes by night—paying tuition and dreaming about a life that involved more music than insurance (though I still admire and appreciate all my peeps in the insurance industry!).

After graduation, I reached a fork in the road: continue pushing papers at an insurance brokerage or leap into the world of music. I knew I wasn't quite cut out to be a professional bassist (thanks to my world-class procrastination and ever-present snack stash), but the thought of leaving music altogether felt wrong.

That's when opportunity struck: the California Youth Symphony, where I'd been both an alum and a ringer (popping in to play bass during the season), offered me the role of orchestra manager. The Music Director and Executive Director were excellent at carving out a role for me since the program expanded. I didn't need a second to think—I jumped at the chance to stay close to the music I loved (and to put my bass-snacking sessions to better use)! And I've never looked back.

What music organization(s) are you connected to and what is your role?
I was the Director of Operations for the California Youth Symphony (CYS) in Palo Alto for 20 years until August 2024—and let me tell you, it felt less like a job and more like a lifestyle. Day in and day out, I witnessed budding young virtuosos tuning up their skills, and I orchestrated much of the behind-the-scenes magic.

I am now involved with the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, managing their tour and events. I also serve as Vanna White, handling Audio/Visual tech for the music seminar series when my incredible husband, Music Director of CYS and Professor Emeritus at CSU Sacramento, gives talks on a variety of musical topics (composers, music history, and music) to elderly, lifelong learners.

Why do you donate to ACSO?
I arrived fashionably late to the ACSO party. I only learned about it during COVID when the previous CYS Executive Director, Jim Hogan (a 40-year legend!), mentioned it. After attending ACSO's seminars, I realized we weren't the only orchestra grappling with the same offstage dramas. It was music to my ears to share ideas, occasionally vent, and brainstorm solutions harmoniously with fellow orchestras. Plus, ACSO is a jackpot of information on things like grants, scholarships, fundraising, new or changing laws or measures, and job openings—definitely a high note for any arts organization.

How has music changed your life?
Music has always been the perfect chord that grounded me to be a good person. I vowed that whatever I do in life, music has to be part of it, whether I'm the one making the sound or cheering on those who do. And when I first traveled out of the country to perform with CYS, my mind opened up. Experiencing other cultures through travel, education, and music continues to shape me. I'm beyond grateful for the positive influence music had on me and the extraordinary private and school music teachers, students, and families who joined me on that journey. 

See a full list of all our 2023-24 donors here. Thank you for supporting ACSO!