Kyle Bryson values his ties to the East Metro Symphony Orchestra. As a transplant from the East Coast, the orchestra has served as a way for Kyle to connect more with his new home in the East Metro. “I joined the orchestra in spring 2018. I was urged to join by a co-worker who plays viola in EMSO. I work as a Product Development Specialist at 3M Company. I earned a Ph.D. In Polymer Science and Engineering from University of Massachusetts – Amherst in 2015. I value greatly the connections I have made through EMSO. “
As a percussionist, Kyle has found a way to align his musical aesthetic and abilities with a family of instruments that suit him. “I have strong coordination, but my ear is not well trained. Over the years, I’ve experimented with other instruments – piano, guitar, clarinet, trombone- but percussion and drum set is the one that’s stuck. Drums are somewhat texturally sparse, yet still very colorful. Percussion is a natural fit for me.”
In addition to his role in the percussion section, Kyle currently serves as the orchestra’s Personnel Manager. “My service allows me to feel like I’m really giving back to an organization that has given me so many good memories, but that also needs members like me to step up to ensure its successful future. Through orienting new members and learning more about existing members, the role ties me much more into the fabric of the group. It makes performing with the group a more enjoyable experience.”
Kyle’s most memorable experience with EMSO was Svensk music och dans (Swedish Music and Dance) (2018), a concert performed with the Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag and the Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers. “It was a joy to perform pieces outside of the conventional classical literature, and the setting brought back very pleasant memories of my time in Sweden a few years before. And, for some reason, I’m also fond of packing up and hauling the many pieces of percussion equipment required for each performance!”
Looking to the future, Kyle is hoping to see real growth from the vibrant community orchestra. “I’m looking forward to learning more about the art of music performance from our insightful new director and conductor, Craig Hara. I hope that we grow in number, and that we retain members so that we can improve together. I would recommend our performances to any music fan, or anybody who has a passion for activities outside their chosen profession. Our collective abilities inspire my confidence in other hobbies I have, such as woodworking and home improvement. For amateurs, I think we sound pretty good!”