About PACO

Scott Krijnen, Music Director

Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Scott Krijnen was raised in an environment of music, conducting and education.  A recipient of a Master’s Degree in Cello Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, cello has been his connection to education, conducting and performance and the voice he uses most to share his love of music. As a conductor, he is sought after throughout the Bay Area, most recently being appointed the Music Director of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra in 2023. As an educator, Scott currently teaches over 300 students through 6 orchestras at Castillero Middle School and is in his 21st year of teaching.  He has won many accolades including the 2020 Teacher of the Year Award at Castillero, Grammy Educator of the Year Quarter-Finalist for 2020 and 2021, and a 2020 Belle Foundation Grant, as well as the 2017 Bay Section Orchestra Director of the Year Award, 2016 CMEA Richard L. Levin Orchestra Educator Award, and the 2016 CSN Bay Area All-Star Teacher Award, earning $20,000 to support the music program at Castillero. Scott has strong connections throughout California including presenting for state-wide conventions, coaching and guest conducting, leading sectionals and presenting at the university level, adjudicating regional and state-wide festivals, and has coached and presented with PACO for the last 22 years. Scott is happily married to his wife of 23 years, Aryn, and they have two beautiful children who get to grow up in the same wonderful world of music as their father.