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
Lower Strings
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
Stephen Thompson – Cello
Steve joined the EMSO in 2017 as a cellist. Steve started playing cello about 15 years ago when his 8-year-old daughter started taking violin lessons with the idea that he could keep pace with her as she progressed. They are both still playing in orchestras (but she is far better than her dad!). Steve is
Jim Wainwright – Cello
Jim Wainwright is the principal cellist for EMSO. He joined EMSO in 2009. He has also performed with, Roseville String Ensemble, St. Croix Valley Symphony and West Shore Symphony. Jim’s cello was made by Mao Lin in 2000. He grew up in Muskegon, MI and currently resides in Hudson, WI with wife Lorna and
James Slegers – Viola
James Slegers has played with EMSO as a violist since 2016. Prior to EMSO, he has played in the Dordt College Chamber Orchestra, the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra, and the Iowa State Symphony. He has served on the board of EMSO since 2018 and took on the role of President in 2022. Outside of EMSO,
Travis Bruns – Bass
Travis Bruns joined EMSO on 2018. He plays a 1986 Polman String bass. Currently working as a veterinary anesthetist. He grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and currently resides in Woodbury, MN. He has many hobbies and interests.
Nahree Ki – Cello
Nahree Ki joined EMSO in 2018. She currently plays the cello in EMSO, but has also performed on the piano and bass in previous groups! She is also okayish at the guitar. In between rehearsals, she plays for church services in Columbia Heights. Outside of EMSO, Nahree works at 3M in biopharmaceutical separation and purification
Aaron Ruikka – Viola
Aaron Ruikka joined EMSO in the fall of 2015. Aaron works as direct support staff at North East Residence. He grew up in Hastings, MN and continues to live there. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games.