In addition to holding the position of Bass Trombonist with the orchestra since 1995, Tom Joyce has also served the organization as Personnel Manager since 2010. When Joyce is off the stage, he is responsible for working in collaboration with the Principal Core Musicians to identify, recruit, review, engage, house, and pay the 20-60 guest musicians that are needed to ensure each orchestra concert is performed at the highest possible artistic quality.

Tom has undergraduate degrees in Mathematics, Physics, and Music, and pursued a graduate degree in Music. Shortly after arriving in the Lowcountry, he identified several key opportunities to help enhance the organization by improving orchestra relations and the professional dynamics between musicians and management. During Tom’s 10-year tenure as executive officer of the local musicians’ union, he elevated its organizational, professional, and financial standing, playing critical roles on numerous negotiating and orchestra committees. After the CSO’s revival, Joyce took on the role of Personnel Manager to effectively serve his musician colleagues and better navigate the nuances of orchestral management. Throughout both experiences he has been heavily involved in crafting collective bargaining agreements and refining employee handbooks, offering a unique and inclusive perspective from both the musician and management sides.

“My most memorable concert experience was a performance of Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” with my high school youth orchestra (Tacoma Symphony) in a gym for a small but appreciative audience on one of the San Juan Islands in Northwest Puget Sound.”

Outside the symphonic realm, I find joy in roasting my own coffee beans, exploring the nuances of craft beer and cheese, and indulging in outdoor adventures like running, paddleboarding, cycling, and kayaking. My household is filled with the harmonious sounds of music, complemented by the presence of my beloved dog, Noelle, and three musically inclined children.

Living on James Island since my arrival in Charleston, I’ve come to cherish the vibrant community and coastal charm that enriches my life both personally and professionally. Embracing the synergy between artistry, camaraderie, and organizational finesse, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the CSO’s legacy and artistic endeavors.