Sarah Burwell - Violin
One of MVYSO's original 8 members, Sarah has grown up in the MVYSO. She has been studying violin privately for 9 years and teaching privately for two years. Sarah says, "Music is my passion. I would like to help raise up new musicians."
- Private Teacher - violin
Elisa Lewis - Flute
Is so passionate about getting youth involved in music, she founded the MVYSO and is now the Executive Director. She has been playing flute for 30 years and teaching in the Maple Valley area for 10 years. She holds a BS Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from CSU Fresno. She studies flute privately with Pam Ryker of Tacoma. Her goal is to make music a lifelong habit, a healthy outlet for students, and to make it fun!
- Private teacher - flute
Naomi Fanshier - Clarinet
Began her clarinet studies at the age of 10 and played clarinet and bass guitar throughout her high school career. Her high school accolades include: WA All State Band, winner district solo & ensemble competion, principal clarinetist for Tacoma's Young Artist Orchestra. Naomi earned her BM in clarinet performance from Pacific Lutheran University and has served as co-principal clarinetist in the University Symphony Orchestra, section leader in Wind Ensemble, and member of the Madera Wind Quartet. Since graduation she has played in the Washington Wind Symyphony based out of Kirkland, WA
- Private Teacher - Clarinet
Jarrod Snyder - Trumpet
Jarrod was one of MVYSO's first 10 members. He has been playing for 10 years and has taught privately for the past 2 years. He has completed the Music Theory Program at Bellevue Community College and graduated from Tahoma High School. Jazz improv is one of Jarrod's specialties and he enjoys inspiring creativity from the students.
- Private Teacher - trumpet
The staff of the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra is a dedicated team of musicians and teachers who are passionate about youth music. All of our staff were involved in music programs in their youth. Each staff member has a personal story of the positive impact that youth music involvement has made on his or her life. Each of our staff members has choosen to work with the MVYSO to help inspire the gift of music in our students.
April Whyte, Conductor and Artistic Director
Is passionate about music education in our community and creating an achieving environment in orchestra. Her energy extends to other Puget Sound communities as well, as she conducts the Debut Orchestra for Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia and works with orchestra classes in the Bethel School District. Ms. Whyte studied viola with Patrick Connelly at Cleveland Institute of Music and Michael McClelland at the University of Illinois. While at Illinois she studied conducting and string pedagogy with Thomas Wisniewski.
Our Coaching Staff
Our Executive Team
Elisa Lewis,
Executive Director
Founded the MVYSO with the help of the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council. Her work experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Youth Ministry, Sales, Customer Service, and Music have all prepared her in a unique way to take on this position. Her experience as a youth in band and orchestra made such a positive impact on her life that she felt it imperative that youth in our area have a top notch opportunity for music involvement. Elisa holds a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from CSU, Fresno which inspires her make music a fun and positive outlet for youth. Elisa also volunteers to coach MVYSO's flutists.
For a list of additional recommended teachers, please email elisa@mvyso.org
Gordon Robbe - Percussion
Gordon holds a Bachelor's of Music in Percussion Performance from University of Puget Sound. He has played with many youth symphonies and professional symphonies. He currently plays in Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Federal Way Symphony Orchestra.
- Private Teacher - Percussion
Emily Maulden - Violin
Emily is a graduate of Central Washington University and holds a BM degree in String Performance. Her positive experiences in music as a youth in youth symphonies have lead her to pursue a career in music. She would like to share her enthusiasm and love of music with others.
- Private teacher - violin
Jeffrey Meyers - Trombone/ Low Brass
Jeffrey holds a BA from Hillsdale College in Marketing Management and Music Performance and a MM from Indiana University in Trombone Performance. He believes strongly in the benefits of educating young musicians and positively affecting community and character. For his "day job," Jeffrey is a Youth Director at Maple Valley Presbyterian Church.
- Private Teacher - Trombone/ low brass
Susan Speicher - Viola
Susan holds a BM in Music Business Administration from Washington State University. While at WSU, she was also involved in music leadership and viola performance. Her energy and enthusiasm is an inspiration to others.
- Private Teacher - Viola
ENSEMBLE CONDUCTING STAFF
Daniel Mullikin - Cello
String Sinfonieta Conductor
Daniel holds a Bachelors of Music in Cello performance from University of Redlands. He is a gifted performing artist and teacher. He has also music in Hungary. He is dedicated to creating positive music education experiences for youth.
- Private Teacher - Cello
Margaret Young-Weitzel - Brass, Low Brass
Wind Ensemble Conductor
"Maggii" is MVYSO's first conductor. She holds a Doctorate Degree in Conducting from University of Washington. Her passion for music education has led her to a variety of music teaching positions from private teaching, to High School Band and Orchestra Conducting, to University Band and Orchestra Conducting, to now working as a Professor and Researcher at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She is conducting a research study where MVYSO is the subject of the study! She will be in the Seattle are twice a month to work with MVYSO and teach privately.
- Private Teacher - Low Brass, Trombone
Ron Mallory - Piano/ Piano Accompaniment
While Ron is not officially on staff at MVYSO, he played a key role in helping the MVYSO get its start. He has masters in choral conducting from University of Washington. He is an excellent teacher and accompanist.
- Private Teacher/ Accompanist - Piano
COACHES CORNER
Winter/Spring 2012 Coaching Rotation
