Brenda Renalls – Flute

Brenda Renalls joined EMSO in 2007.  She plays flute and piccolo. Brenda’s musical career started with piano and baton lessons (YMCA Marching Band) in grade school. She switched to the flute when the band director (also a female flautist) told her that she had the right mouth structure for flute playing and offered to give […]

Jamie Wheeler – Viola

Jamie Wheeler joined EMSO in 2017. She plays a 2001 Eastman Strings viola 900. Jamie is currently a Senior Product Development Engineer at 3M. She enjoys orchestra, hiking, sewing, making cool stuff. Jamie grew up in Georgetown, Texas and now lives in St. Paul.

John Sassaman – French Horn

John Sassaman joined EMSO in 2014. Currently he plays a Paxman descant and 1964 vintage Conn 8D. John grew up in Pennsylvania. John lives in Lindstrom, MN, a beautiful city north of Stillwater. John’s hobbies include a strong appreciation for music, listening to it, and playing it (obviously). John is employed as a lead software […]

Ron Larson – Viola

Ron Larson has been a member of EMSO for over 10 years. He plays a German viola from the 1800s. Native to Minnesota, Ron was raised in Minneapolis. He currently resides in Stillwater, enjoying his time after a career with 3M, where he initially joined with EMSO. With his freedom that comes with retirement, Ron […]

A Mighty Fortress: Mendelssohn’s Reformation

A Mighty Fortress: Mendelssohn’s Reformation Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Featuring the King of Kings Lutheran Church’s King’s Choir, Brass Ensemble, and JuBELLation Handbell Choir. Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN Admission to this concert is free. Free will offerings in support of the […]

EMSO Announces Joan Molloy as New Concertmaster

Woodbury, MN, August 23, 2017 – The East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO) is pleased to announce violinist Joan Molloy as it’s concertmaster. Molloy served as guest concertmaster for A Celebration of Finnish Music, the final concert in the orchestra’s 2016-2017 concert season, and returns as a permanent replacement for Michal Sobieski, EMSO’s previous concertmaster, who retired last year. “I […]