Lower Strings
Joshua Diaz – Bass
Joshua’s love for music was cultured by his parents during his early childhood. He started piano and guitar lessons before gravitating to electric bass and double bass in high school. During high school, He performed double bass in symphonic band and Jazz ensembles under the direction of Vincent Aiello. He qualified for a music scholarship
Shan Jiang – Cello
Shan joined EMSO in 2019 as a cellist after she moved to Twin Cities from Boston. She learned about EMSO from a friend and decided to be a player right after her first concert with EMSO – as an audience member. Shan appreciates the great opportunity to play with a diverse group of talented musicians
Hannah Drake – Harp
Hannah Drake joined EMSO in fall 2022. She plays a 2007 Venus Penti Concert Harp. Hannah is originally from Charleston, IL and started playing harp in her childhood. During her undergraduate studies in chemistry at Western Illinois University, she played and toured with the WIU orchestra, played for the WIU opera, and accompanied for recitals.
Rose Lakeman -Cello
Robin Radke – Viola
Robin Radke joined EMSO in 2022 after a 34 year hiatus from playing the viola. Robin is delighted to be making music again and is enjoying relearning old skills. Robin grew up in suburban St. Louis, MO, but has called Woodbury, MN home for 25 years. When she isn’t playing, Robin is a corporate attorney
Michael Merriman – Cello
Mike started playing with EMSO in 2019 after his cello had been collecting dust for 10 years. It was like riding a bike and before long he was not just playing with the orchestra, but also joined and organized multiple string ensembles to play for fun and at senior living centers. He has an eclectic
Brittany Wagner – Viola
Brittany joined EMSO in 2018 after a 5 year hiatus from playing viola. Brittany is a geologist-in-training (GIT) for American Engineering Testing. She grew up in New Berlin, WI and now reside in St Paul. In her free time, Brittany enjoy hiking, biking, and crafting. Brittany currently serves as Secretary on the EMSO Board of
Barbara Englund – Cello
Barbara Englund joined EMSO in March of 2018. She plays a cello made by Michael Scoggins. Barbara grew up in Ottumwa, Iowa, where she started cello at age 7 and trombone at age 9. Her family moved to Edina, MN and she participated in Band and Orchestra in that excellent school system. She has a Bachelor
Kyle Johnson – Viola
Kyle Johnson joined EMSO in 2018, during the orchestra’s 10th anniversary, which also coincided with Kyle’s 10-year anniversary of playing the viola. He joined EMSO because he was going to a college that didn’t have an orchestra and he wanted to keep playing. He will be graduating from college in December 2020 with a AA