Minnesota Youth Symphonies

Manny Laureano

Co-Artistic Director and Conductor, Symphony Orchestra

Manny began his musical studies in the New York City public school system and received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the Juilliard School in 1977. He was appointed principal trumpet of the Seattle Symphony, a post he held for four years before serving in his current position as principal trumpet with the Minnesota Orchestra. As a conductor, he has worked with a variety of ensembles, ranging from having been Music Director of the Calhoun-Isles Community Band, Music Director of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, to a guest stint with the Minnesota Orchestra. He has been in demand as a clinician for young orchestras throughout the state. In 2002, Manny and Claudette were invited to guest-conduct the National Suzuki Youth Orchestra Festival Orchestra and were invited to serve again in 2004. Manny has served as Co-Artistic Director of MYS since 1988, conducts the MYS Symphony Orchestra, and is the brass and woodwind coach for the MYS Repertory Orchestra. Manny served as Assistant Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra during the 2005-06 season.

Claudette Laureano

Co-Artistic Director and Conductor, Repertory Orchestra

Claudette’s musical training began in the public schools of New York City. She is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and became a teacher and free-lance violinist in Seattle, Washington before coming to the Twin Cities in 1981. In 1982 Claudette began a string program at the Breck School where she remained until 1988. Over the years, Claudette has guest conducted at various conferences and festivals in the Twin Cities. She has been a guest conductor of the Northwest Suburban Conference Music Festival and conducted one of the two festival orchestras at the National Suzuki Conference. In 2005, Claudette conducted the Minnesota All-State Junior High School Honors Orchestra at the MN Music Educators Association Convention. She has also been the guest conductor for the St. Paul Honors Orchestra at the Ordway Music Theater since 2002, and has been a guest clinician for the Classic Lake Festival since 2005. Claudette resumed her position as String Director of the Breck School in 2003. Claudette has been co-artistic director of MYS since 1988.

Jim Bartsch

Conductor, Philharmonic Orchestra

Jim is a native of St. Paul and began playing the violin as part of the string program at Homecroft Elementary School. After earning degrees in Music Education and Violin at the University of Minnesota, he taught public school orchestra programs in Northfield and Red Wing. Currently Director of Education with the Minnesota Orchestra, he also performs with the Minnesota Opera Orchestra, and is a frequent guest clinician and conductor in the area. Jim joined MYS in 1990.

Patricia Kelly

Conductor, String Orchestra

Pat is a string instructor at Ramsey International Fine Arts Magnet School in Minneapolis. In 1998 Pat received the “Master String Educator Award” from the American String Teachers Association. Pat has a BA in Music Education and Journalism from the College of St. Catherine and an MA in Music Education from the University of Minnesota. Currently Pat is a full-time student at the University of Minnesota completing her PhD in Music Education and teaching the String Method classes. Pat joined MYS in 1997.

Terry Burk

Instructor, Music Education, Piano, Theory & Composition

Terry holds degrees in composition, music theory and vocal music education from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music. He has taught music theory and ear training at several music schools in the Twin Cities area and currently serves as a music specialist for the Forest Lake Public Schools. Terry is a professional composer and ensembles throughout the Midwest have commissioned and performed his choral works. Terry joined the MYS staff in 1992.

Greg Grimes

Coach, Brass

Greg received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trumpet Performance at the University of Minnesota in 2006. He works as the Information Technology Manager for Destineer Studios, a video game development studio in Plymouth. He also performs as a freelance trumpet player in the Twin Cities. Greg joined MYS in 2006.

Shelley Hanson

Coach, Woodwinds

Shelley Hanson’s compositions have been performed throughout the United States, and in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Also a record producer, clarinetist, and conductor, she and her band, Klezmer and All That Jazz, have performed her concerto for klezmer band and orchestra with The Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, and many other groups. In 1999, MYS commissioned her suite Islas y Montanas (Islands and Mountains), movements of which have been performed by major symphonies such as the North Carolina Symphony and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. She received a Ph.D. in Performance, Music Theory, and Music Literature from Michigan State University. Her Master’s degree in the Woodwind Specialist program involved her studying and performing on each of the orchestral woodwind instruments. Shelley joined the MYS staff in 2002.

Sara Preus

Instructor, MYS/Andersen Schools String Studio Program

Sara has a BA in Music Education from Concordia College and an MA in Violin Performance from the University of Iowa. She has taught strings and conducted orchestras for 10 years in public schools in Minnesota, Iowa, and most recently for 12 years in an international school in South Korea. She has played in numerous community and professional orchestras. Sara joined MYS in 2006.

Josh Carlson

Percussion Assistant

Josh received his BA in Music from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2005. He has established a career in music as both a performer and private instructor. He performs with the Duluth Superior Symphony and is a freelance percussionist/drummer in the Twin Cities. He is percussion instructor at Wayzata High and is on the faculty at MacPhail Center for Music. Josh joined the MYS staff in 2005.

Jessica Wilson

Strings Assistant

Jessica graduated high school in 2006 and will attend the University of Minnesota in September 2007 to study music. She plays piano, guitar, violin, viola and also composes and conducts. An MYS student from 2003-2006, Jessica joined the MYS staff in the summer of 2006.