Behind the Harmony: Meet Sam McNally
Sam McNally, horn
When Sam McNally joined the Victoria Symphony as third horn in 2022, he brought more than just talent to the stage—he brought a deep commitment to collaboration, communication, and community. Now serving as Chair of the Victoria Symphony Players’ Association (VSPA), Sam plays a key role in helping the orchestra function as a cohesive, supportive unit.
“In our orchestra, and in most, there’s an organization within the organization, usually referred to as the Players’ Association,” Sam explains. “Every musician in the orchestra is a VSPA member.”
The VSPA is an unseen but vital part of the Symphony’s inner workings. As an offshoot of the local Musicians’ Union, they advocates for musician, ensures the collective agreement is upheld on both sides, and help keep the lines of communication open between musicians and Symphony leadership. A committee of five musicians is elected each year to represent the orchestra’s 42 members, and Sam currently serves as Chair.
But the VSPA isn’t just one committee—it’s a network of subcommittees, each playing a vital role in the Symphony’s success. “There’s the Media Committee, which is going through a bit of a renaissance right now,” Sam shares. “They’re finding new ways for musicians to engage on social media and beyond. The Programming Committee works closely with [CEO] Matthew White, [Music Director] Christian Kluxen and [Principal Pops Conductor] Sean O’Loughlin to help shape the artistic programming. Then there’s the Health and Safety Committee, which reviews documents for playing in the orchestra pit (at the Royal Theatre) and other safety concerns.”
The VSPA also ensures musicians’ voices are heard in key organizational moments. “We have representatives on the Music Director Search Committee,” says Sam. “And two of us always sit on the Victoria Symphony Society Board of Directors. These roles give us an important seat at the table. We share the musicians’ perspective and input, and bring back important information to our colleagues.”
This important structure of internal representation is all about open and transparent collaboration, because as Sam says, “we can’t exist without each other.”
Victoria Symphony Players’ Association (VSPA) at a Glance:
- 42 orchestra members, all part of the VSPA
- 5 elected committee reps
- 2 musician reps sit on the Victoria Symphony Society Board
- Subcommittees include Programming, Media, Health & Safety, and more
“It’s all about open, transparent collaboration.” – Sam McNally
From the Stage to the Studio
Outside his work with VS, Sam is passionate about music education. Like many other musicians, he teaches at the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and continues to teach private students locally in person and online across the province.
His passion for teaching stems from Sam’s own journey as a student. “My teachers were professional musicians who taught,” he says. “In my mind, they went hand in hand. It almost seemed like it was my responsibility to carry on that tradition.”
“Teaching isn’t just something I do to make the math work,” he says. “It’s something I love, and it’s an important part of my career that I wouldn’t give up.” Sam is one of the orchestra’s part-contract musicians, so having a vibrant and robust music community is essential for professional artists like Sam to make living in Victoria viable.
I always tell students, no one else is going to hold you accountable and no one else can do it for you” he says. “When my students succeed, it’s because they’ve done the work. I’m just there to guide them.” His students range from beginners to middle-schoolers to university-level players and a notable, dedicated group of adult learners.
“I have adult students who are just getting back into it after decades away,” Sam says. “Some went to UVic in the ’70s and haven’t touched a horn since. Others are active in community bands and want to keep improving. Teaching them is incredibly rewarding. Their goals are different but the excitement and the joy they bring to learning? That’s universal.”
One of his adult students has been taking weekly alphorn lessons online for more than four years—a testament, Sam says, to the lasting relationships built through music. “It’s amazing. You start out thinking you’re just giving a few lessons,” he says, “and it turns into this meaningful, ongoing journey together.”
Connection, Collaboration, and Community
For Sam, what makes the Victoria Symphony truly special is how deeply connected everyone is to the work—and to each other. “There’s always going to be things that rub people the wrong way on either side of the table,” he admits. “But ultimately, we all know what we’re here for.”
Whether it’s shaping the season schedule with the Orchestra Committee, cheering on students in a lesson, or performing for a full house, Sam sees the same thread running through it all: a shared belief in the power of music to bring people together.
That belief is mirrored in the support of the Symphony’s community. “To the donors, I hope you know how essential you are,” Sam says. “I really hope you feel something when you come to a concert, whether it’s a thrilling brass line or a quiet moment that moves you. And I hope you know that wouldn’t happen without you.”
In Sam’s world, it’s not just about playing notes, it’s about building something lasting: a vibrant, collaborative, and welcoming musical home. “I hope if you’re coming to the Symphony for the first time,” he adds with unmistakable sincerity “you know that it’s not just a marketing gimmick when we say everyone is welcome. You have a place here, and we can’t wait to see you.”
Lifelong Learning: Did You Know?
Many of our musicians—including Sam—teach right here in Victoria! Sam’s students include:
- Middle & high schoolers discovering the French horn
- UVic and Conservatory post-secondary students
- Dedicated adults rekindling their love of music
“Whether you’re 12 or 72—if you want to play, you deserve the chance.” – Sam McNally
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