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
Lower Strings
Kyle Johnson – Viola
Kyle Johnson joined EMSO at the beginning of the orchestra’s decade anniversary (2018 – 2019 season), which coincided with Kyle’s decade anniversary of playing the viola. He decided to become a part of the orchestra because the college he was attending did not have an orchestra and he wanted to keep playing. He genuinely believes
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 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 our dog Tucker. Jim is a self-employed
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 served as EMSO’s president from 2022-2025. Outside of EMSO, he works as an electrical engineer, planning for the power grid. He
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 Innovation Scientist at Hearth and Home Technologies. She enjoys orchestra, hiking, volleyball, and making cool stuff. Jamie grew up in Georgetown, Texas, and now lives in St. Paul.
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