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
Musicians
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
Laura Miller- Bass
Laura’s Music Story: In grade school, children try different instruments to find one that they will eventually learn. My music teacher needed a bass player and enlisted my mom’s help. Since I knew how to play piano and I was one of the tallest in my class I was told that I would be learning