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.
Musicians
Sean Maysack – Trombone
Sean Maysack joined EMSO in 2016. He plays a King 4B trombone. Sean currently works in IT. He grew up in the Chicago area and now lives in Hudson, WI. Sean currently serves as Financial Development Director on the EMSO Board.
Karl Ruesterholz – Violin
Karl Ruesterholz joined EMSO in 2017. He plays a Steiniger violin. Karl grew up in Hillsboro, Oregon, and now lives in Stillwater, MN. When Karl is not working for Delta as an airport ramp agent, he spends his time fishing, hiking, flying planes, and of course, playing music.
Dwight Erickson – French Horn
Dwight Erickson joined the 3M Symphony Orchestra in 1979 and continues to perform with EMSO. He plays a King Double French Horn. Dwight grew up in Jordan, MN and played French horn and mellophone in marching and concert band there as well as concert band at Hamline University. After obtaining a BA degree in chemistry
Brenda Renalls – Flute
Brenda Renalls joined EMSO in 2007. She plays flute and piccolo. Brenda’s musical career started with piano and baton lessons (YMCA Marching Band) in grade school. She switched to the flute when the band director (also a female flautist) told her that she had the right mouth structure for flute playing and offered to give
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.
John Sassaman – French Horn
John Sassaman joined EMSO in 2014. Currently he plays a Paxman descant and 1964 vintage Conn 8D. John grew up in Pennsylvania. John lives in Lindstrom, MN, a beautiful city north of Stillwater. John’s hobbies include a strong appreciation for music, listening to it, and playing it (obviously). John is employed as a lead software
William Chiu – Violin
William Chiu joined EMSO in 2015. The talented William Chiu grew up in the Richmond, VA area. He recently moved to Woodbury, MN relocating as a research engineer for 3M.
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
Jim McCarville – Trumpet
Jim McCarville joined EMSO in 1967. Jim and his wife both purchased handmade Bach Stradivarius Trumpets back when they were in college which they still play. Those trumpets are now considered collectibles. Jim joined the 3M Symphony Orchestra in early 1967, along with his wife Karen. They were the orchestra’s trumpet section along with several