Meet Chuck Stewart, Our Interim Conductor

The Chandler Symphony Orchestra is proud to introduce Chuck Stewart as our Interim Conductor. Stewart brings a deep passion for music to every performance and rehearsal. His ability to connect with musicians and inspire has earned him praise across the ensembles he leads.

Stewart is a familiar face in the Phoenix Valley’s musical community, frequently appearing as a Guest Conductor with various groups. Before joining us, he served as Assistant Conductor of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the East Central Indiana Chamber Orchestra, where he revitalized programming, reintroduced a youth concerto competition, and launched a successful Side-by-Side Concert initiative with a local youth orchestra.

A committed music educator, Stewart currently directs the orchestras at BASIS Phoenix and leads the North Valley Youth Orchestra. He also contributes to statewide music education through leadership roles with the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association and the Arizona Music Educators Association. His past roles include directing youth and university orchestras in Indiana and California, including positions at Ball State University and Encore High School for the Arts.

Stewart holds a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from Ball State University and dual Bachelor's degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from Oklahoma State University. He has also trained at the Pierre Monteux School and studied under several distinguished conducting mentors.

Originally from Oklahoma, Chuck now resides in Gilbert with his wife, Karen, their young son, Gavin, and their dog, CJ. We are excited to have him lead the Chandler Symphony Orchestra during our 2025-2026 Season.