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
Lower Strings
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.
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. She currently serves as EMSO’s Personnel Manager.
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
Richard Klauer – Cello
Richard Klauer joined EMSO in 2010. Richard is retired from working at Twin Cities based Allina Health Systems as a Senior Project Manager. He is originally from Illinois, and graduated in music from Northern Illinois and West Virginia universities. He was married 33 years and enjoys time with his adult children, restaurant adventures, BBQs, and music
Laura Miller- Bass
Laura’s Music Story: In grade school, children try different instruments to find one that they will eventually learn. My music teacher needed a bass player and enlisted my mom’s help. Since I knew how to play piano and I was one of the tallest in my class I was told that I would be learning