Mary Handley, recently appointed general manager of the Youth Orchestra Foundation of Buffalo, has a background in music/piano and experience promoting musical and skating events. Ms. Handley earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees at San Francisco State University where she later joined the music faculty and served as founder of their masters degree program in piano pedagogy and director of the Suzuki Piano Program.

Mary has made numerous appearances as a concert pianist, soloing with the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, DC, the Buffalo Philharmonic, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, St. Catharines Symphony, Long Beach Symphony, Vallejo Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco State Orchestra and other recitals in the US and Canada.

In addition to musical events, Ms. Handley has coordinated, promoted, and produced many special events. Most recently she coordinated the Opening Ceremonies at the new Amherst Pepsi Center; served as the chairperson and publicist for Skate Chautauqua, an annual figure skating competition held in Jamestown, NY; and presently is chairperson for the 2000 Jr. National Figure Skating Championships. Previously, Mary owned and managed a 75 room hotel and dining facility at Chautauqua.

We are thankful that Mary will be putting her musical and organizational skills to work for GBYO/GBYSO.