Young American conductor, Samson “S.C.” Toe, is the newly appointed Assistant Conductor of the Augusta Symphony. He came to Augusta in 2021 to serve as Director of Music at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church where he conducts the choirs, works with the clergy and staff in worship preparation, and enjoys leading the congregation in joyful praise through music.

Toe most recently served a large suburban congregation of the United Methodist Church as Music Director in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while also working as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Pittsburgh Renaissance City Choir, a community choir of over 100 voices and choir in residence at the historic East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

He has served as music director and organist for congregations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia. He has been on conducting staffs in Ohio, Tennessee, California, and has appeared as guest conductor and clinician for a number of orchestras and organizations, most notably serving as conductor of the Memphis Youth Symphony in 2016.

At the conclusion of his senior year of high school, he was appointed Intern Assistant Conductor of the Canton Youth Symphony under the tutelage of then Associate Conductor of the Canton Symphony Orchestra Maestro Matthew Brown. This was a position held by Toe for four seasons. Toe made his international conducting debut in the summer of 2012 when he was invited to conduct on a series of concerts throughout Italy and Switzerland under the direction of Maestro Joseph del Principe.

While studying at university, he served for two years as student conductor of the Malone University Chorale where he regularly conducted the University Chorale, University Chamber Choir, and the University Chapel Choir all under the supervision of then Chair of Music/Head of Choral Activities Dr. David Donelson, Principal and Founding Conductor of the Canton Community Orchestra and Chorus in his hometown of Canton, Ohio. He also served as Chorus Master of the Malone Opera Theater Company coaching members on solo literature and conducting the chorus in performance.

A preparatory student in the studio of Professor Sandra Carnes for many years, Toe began his musical training as a pianist. He also studied with Dr. Michael Benson and found a special organ mentor in Dr. W. Robert Morris.

When not working, S.C. enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, writing, and exploring good coffee and eating spots. He is extremely excited to be joining the Augusta Symphony family and looks forward to making music in this vibrant community!

*S.C.’s chair is endowed by the Marks Family Foundation.