Our People
Trevor Thompson
Executive Director
A leader with wide-ranging experience as an arts administrator, educator, and performing artist, Trevor Thompson has a proven track record of advancing arts and arts education initiatives that have a meaningful, lasting impact on communities. Trevor has served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra since February of 2024, guiding the orchestra in its mission to bring transformative and accessible classical music experiences to the Central Pennsylvania region. Under his leadership, Trevor has guided the orchestra in a myriad of successes. Notable achievements have included expanded collaborations with community organizations, record-breaking increases in revenue, a revitalization of public-facing materials, and expansion of the orchestra’s education and outreach initiatives.
A dedicated educator, Trevor has experience leading a variety of educational programs and a passion for advancing accessible arts education initiatives. As the Music Program Manager of The Music Academy, Trevor is currently spearheading the design and implementation of a brand-new Chamber Music Institute that will provide advanced instruction and performance opportunities for talented young musicians in State College. Trevor has held several other noteworthy leadership positions with educational institutions, having served as the Senior Coordinator of California Symphony’s Sound Minds El-Sistema music education program and as the Assistant Coordinator of the Illinois String Academy.
Trevor maintains an active career as a performing artist, performing an extensive range of repertoire in concert halls throughout the country. Trevor has performed with Richmond Symphony, Virginia Symphony, Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, California Symphony, and the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. A passionate chamber musician, Trevor has studied at the Montecito International Chamber Music Festival, the Bowdoin International Chamber Music Festival, as a Fellow at the Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival, and has performed alongside artists such as violinist Ariana Kim, Berlin Philharmonic violist Matthew Hunter, and cellist Andrés Díaz.
Trevor received his Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Vanderbilt University, and his Master’s degree and Artist Diploma in Violin Performance from the University of Illinois.
Susan Kroeker
Personnel Manager
Susan Kroeker is the personnel manager and second flute of the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra. She has a MMUS degree in Flute Performance from the Hartt School of Music where she studied with John Wion and Samuel Baron, and a BMUS from Wheaton College Conservatory (IL).
She participated in the Sarasota Music Festival, Tanglewood Summer Flute Seminar, and masterclasses with Jean-Pierre Rampal. She currently freelances in Pennsylvania and performs as second flute with the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra and piccoloist with the Nittany Valley Symphony. Susan previously performed as principal flutist for the South Dakota Symphony, Dakota Wind Quintet, and the New England Pops.
She has been a flute instructor in State College area for 30 years, and has taught at Penn State University, Augustana College (SD), and Westfield State University (MA).