Caitlin Race joined EMSO in 2019. She plays an Elkhart H-Series Conn 8D French Horn. Caitlin grew up in Eagan, MN and currently lives in Minneapolis with her rescue mutt, Carmel. She works as a research engineer at 3M. Her hobbies include biking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, reading, and doing puzzles. EMSO is a great
Musicians
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
Brianna Larsen – French Horn
Brianna joined EMSO in the spring of 2018. She grew up in Tea, South Dakota and currently resides in Inver Grove Heights. She comes from a long line of musicians, which includes her mother, who has been a church organist since the age of 13, and her grandmother, who played in a band in the
Terry Wilson – Bassoon
Dave Englund – Violin
Dave Englund joined EMSO in the spring of 2018. His violin was made in Germany in 1758. Age doesn’t make a violin good, but Dave appreciates how the centuries of playing contribute to the beautiful, mellow voice if the violin. Dave worked as a Minneapolis. Public Schools music teacher for 31 years, until retiring in 2015. Most
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
Mary Jane Latu – Violin
Mary Jane Latu joined EMSO during the fall of 2018. She currently works in Governance & Compliance at a tech company. She grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN, and is now living in the uptown area of Minneapolis. Spending time with family and friends brings her joy. A message from Mary: If you’re reading this