Austin Youth Orchestra Staff

A native Austinite, Leah Nelson brings over fifteen years of leadership experience in music education, nonprofit management, and community arts programming.

Leah previously served as Executive Director for Salon Concerts, where she also led the long-running CHAMPS (Chamber Music in Public Schools) program, providing chamber music coaching and performances in sixteen public schools across the Austin area.

Before returning to Austin, Leah worked extensively in youth-centered music programs in Los Angeles. She served as Director of Educational Outreach for the American Youth Symphony, designing and managing learning programs that reached hundreds of K–9 students annually. She also worked with Education Through Music–Los Angeles, supporting curriculum development, teacher training, and expansion into underserved school communities.

In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Leah maintains an active career as a professional violist. She has performed with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and artists across the country, and is a longtime private studio teacher and chamber music coach. Her students regularly earn placements in All-Region and All-State orchestras, win local and national competitions, and continue their studies at leading music festivals and universities.

Leah holds a Master of Music from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Austin. As a proud alumna of AYO, she is deeply committed to expanding access, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting the next generation of Austin’s young musicians.

Ana Maria Solis-Herrera is the Director of Orchestras at Austin High School in the Austin Independent School District and currently serves as Logistics Coordinator of the Austin Youth Orchestra. A passionate music educator and conductor, she has previously led programs at O. Henry Middle School, Lamar Middle School Fine Arts Academy, and McCallum High School.

Before taking on her current leadership role, Mrs. Solis-Herrera served AYO as Co-Coordinator and Conductor of the Concertante, Sinfonietta, and Philharmonic orchestras, helping to guide hundreds of young musicians through foundational and advanced ensemble experiences.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at Austin. She is certified in the Suzuki Method and regularly leads pedagogy workshops at UT.

Mrs. Solis-Herrera has performed with orchestras across Asia, Latin America, and the United States, including the Ehime University Orchestra in Matsuyama, Japan; the Carlos Chávez Symphony in Mexico City; and the Ohio Light Opera. She has also presented internationally at music education conferences in Italy, Sweden, and Latin America, sharing her research on the musical preferences of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the United States.

Megan Anderson brings a lifelong passion for youth orchestras and music education to her role as Orchestra Manager at AYO. She first discovered her love for classical music while performing as a young oboist in youth orchestras, an experience that shaped her deep appreciation for ensemble collaboration and music’s impact on young people.

Megan earned her Bachelor's degree in Oboe Performance from the University of Oregon School of Music, where she studied under Melissa Peña. She previously served as the Orchestra Manager for the Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, where she supported student musicians, coordinated large-scale performances, and helped cultivate a vibrant and supportive artistic community.

Now based in Austin, Megan is thrilled to be part of the AYO team. She is committed to fostering a smooth, supportive, and high-quality experience for students, families, and conductors alike. With a background that bridges administration, music, and youth engagement, Megan looks forward to helping AYO continue to thrive and grow.

Pamela Corn is a retired Certified Public Accountant with over 45 years of experience in finance, small business management, and tax preparation. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin and received her CPA certification in 1983.

Throughout her career, Pam has supported a wide range of clients, from small businesses to individual entrepreneurs. She spent 14 years as Controller for Southwest Body and Paint (now Caliber Collision Centers) and has worked closely with musicians and nonprofit organizations since 2000.

Pam currently serves as Treasurer for both Texas Early Music Project and La Follia Austin Baroque, bringing a deep understanding of arts administration and nonprofit accounting. Her passion for music and commitment to community make her an invaluable part of the Austin Youth Orchestra team.