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
Musicians
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
Joyce Laidlaw – Clarinet
Joyce Laidlaw joined the 3M Symphony Orchestra in 1973 and continues to perform with EMSO. She is the principal clarinetist for the orchestra. Her instrument is a Buffet R-13 clarinet. Joyce is a retired hospital laboratory scientist. She grew up in Fergus Falls, MN and now lives in St Paul. Her favorite hobbies are genealogy,
Carl Meincke – Trombone
Carl Meincke joined EMSO in 2016. He plays an Edwards bass trombone. He is a retired music educator. He grew up in Green Bay, WI and currently resides in Hudson, WI.
Joan Molloy
Joined EMSO in 2017, serving first as a temporary concert master, and then obtaining the position beginning in the 2017-18 concert year.
Joan plays a 2007 Stephano Gibartoni Violin.
She works as a violinist and violin teacher
She grew up in Oberlin and St Cloud, but now lives in River Falls, WI
She loves to garden, spend time with her dog, and spend time in the woods
Check her full bio for more info.
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,
Marsha Pearson – Trombone
Marsha Pearson plays a Conn 88H instrument. She is a retired music educator. She grew up in River Falls, WI and continues to reside there.