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
In Tune
Member Spotlight: Haley Martin
Haley Martin is grateful for the invitation she got to join the East Metro Symphony Orchestra. She had the opportunity to perform with the orchestra several years ago as a student at East Ridge High School in Woodbury, participating in EMSO’s Side-By-Side concerts. So it was a welcome surprise when EMSO trombonist Carl Meincke reminded her
Merci!
It was a wonderful kick-off to our 2019-2020 New Beginnings concert season at EMSO’s French Passions concert on October 27th. The orchestra was in grand form playing classical French pieces from composers like Bizet and Franck. Merci to our fabulous audience who came out to support the start of our 11th season and see the
Member Spotlight: Nahree Ki
Nahree Ki is very happy she chose to join the East Metro Symphony Orchestra. Last year, she was looking for ways to connect musically in her community when an invitation from an EMSO member to join a summer string ensemble introduced her to the orchestra. “Joining EMSO was the best decision I made in 2018!”
EMSO Welcomes Craig Hara
EMSO welcomes a new music director and conductor The East Metro Symphony Orchestra is happy to introduce Craig Hara as its new music director and conductor. Craig is a multi-faceted musician, educator and producer, playing trumpet, drums, percussion, EVI (electronic valve instrument), guitar, bass, keyboards/synthesizers and vocals. “My appointment to the position of music director
Celebrating 10 Years of EMSO
Music and friends abound at EMSO’s final performance of 2018-2019 10th anniversary concert season A tremendous thank you to everyone who made EMSO’s final concert of our 10th anniversary season so sensational! So many wonderful friends and supporters joined us at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater to celebrate the first 10 years of EMSO on May 19, 2019. Special thanks to our wonderful
Member Spotlight: Joyce Laidlaw
Joyce Laidlaw is a natural. After 46 years with the 3M Symphony Orchestra and East Metro Symphony Orchestra, Joyce knows what it takes to be a part of a musical team. She’s had a lot of great experiences to work from. “I primarily play clarinet and have been playing since fourth grade. I also play some
10 Years of Music and Community
Saying thank you to EMSO’s artistic partners For the last 10 years, EMSO has had the privilege of partnering with over 40 artistic groups, musical organizations, and individual performers to create a broad range of educational, multicultural, and inspirational orchestral experiences for our orchestra and our audiences. From solo musicians and church choirs, to dancing companies and cultural musical groups, our artistic partnerships
Member Spotlight: Ron Larson
Ron Larson knows what matters. And with 10 years with the East Metro Symphony Orchestra, and many years with the 3M Symphony Orchestra before that, he knows that music matters a lot. “I have always needed musical outlets to maintain my sanity. I have been playing music for over 60 years. I play both violin
The Concertmasters
EMSO has only had two concertmasters in its 10 years as an independent, non-profit, community orchestra. Here’s what they have to say about the experience. What is a concertmaster and what does he or she do? Michal Sobieski: The concertmaster is the first chair of the orchestra. He tunes the orchestra before rehearsals and concerts. He is responsible for leading,