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
In Tune
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,
Member Spotlight: Jim Cheeseman
Jim Cheeseman is devoted. After 56 years with the EMSO (and the former 3M Symphony Orchestra), Jim has been with the orchestra longer than any other member. He has seen it all, heard it all, and played it all. Jim has played the French horn for 69 years, but his induction into EMSO wasn’t exactly
Mardi Gras!
EMSO celebrated Carnival around the world at two lively concerts in March It was an all-out bash at our Mardi Gras! Pops Cabaret and Silent Auction event on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Lake Elmo Inn Event Center. Everyone was in the party spirit as many of our musicians, volunteers, and guests dressed up for the occasion.
Member Spotlight: Deb Benson
Deb Benson is proud to be bringing music to her community. She originally performed with the 3M Symphony Orchestra when she was in high school, and then rejoined the orchestra about 15 years ago. “My dad, who retired from 3M, had told me that the orchestra was looking for members at that time, and I
Member Spotlight: Jim McCarville
Jim McCarville has a passion for music. Over the years, Jim has marched in two Rose Bowl parades; performed with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; participated in International Barbershop Music Competitions; and joined countless small ensemble groups. So it should come as no surprise that Jim also has a
A Holiday Season of Song and Dance
EMSO celebrated the holidays with two fantastic collaborative concerts with Merrill Arts Center and Woodbury Dance Center It was a jam-packed holiday season for EMSO! The orchestra was proud to be apart of two concerts in the Merrill Arts Center Holiday Festival Series. Both concerts were a wonderful chance to celebrate the music of the season. On December