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.
Musicians
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
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
Leanne Ekstadt – Oboe
Leanne was raised in Pipestone, Minnesota, and started playing oboe after switching from clarinet in the eighth grade. She earned a B.A. in music education from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where she studied oboe with Thomas Tempel and Marilyn Ford, while playing in Concert Band and Orchestra. Upon graduating in 1979, Leanne was asked to join
Patty Cook – Flute
Patty Cook became a full time member of EMSO in 2015. She plays a Pearl Elegante Flute. Patty began playing the flute in 5th grade, because her mom suggested the flute sounds “like a bird.” Despite the fact it took a month to master the mouthpiece alone, she has never been sorry for her mother’s early guidance,
Mark Mohwinkel – Trombone
Mark joined EMSO in 2005. Mark became a member of the former 3M Symphony Orchestra after subbing a few times and getting hooked. In 2019, he retired from his 36-year career with 3M. He left 3M as an Engineering Specialist and the corporate expert in contamination control. Although his career was technical, music has always
Kim Heit – Clarinet
Kim Heit joined EMSO in 2006. She plays clarinet and bass clarinet. Kim started playing clarinet in grade school and continued through college, briefly studying with former Minnesota Orchestra Principal Clarinetist Cloyd Williams. She took a long break from music to concentrate on family and work. In 2006, she joined the 3M Symphony Orchestra (now