Alumni
Where are they now?
For 38 years, MYS has been a musical home for thousands of Minnesota’s most talented young musicians. Our students frequently enter the top conservatories and universities in the country – Juilliard, Eastman, Curtis Institute of Music, New England Conservatory and Harvard. Here are just a few of the many MYS alumni who have careers as professional musicians:
Ilya Finkelshteyn (1990-1991)
Cello, Cincinnati Symphony
Sandy Johnson (1992-1998)
Bassoon, Air Force Concert Band, Washington, D.C.
Dona Vellek Klein (1972-1973)
Assistant Principal Cello, Atlanta Symphony
Greg Knudsen (1989-91)
Principal Trumpet, New Florida West Coast Symphony and Sarasota Orchestra
Alicia Koelz (1989-1999)
Violin, Cleveland Orchestra
Bernhard Scully (1993-1995)
Principal Horn, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Lisa Svejkovsky Schaffer (1975-1985)
Cello, Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra
Paul Straka (1973-1976)
Horn, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Nicholas Trygstad (1991-1998)
Principal Cello, Hallé Orchestra, Manchester, England
Ben Ullery (1990-1992)
Viola, Minnesota Orchestra
Jessica Valeri (1991-1993)
Horn, San Francisco Symphony
Photo on the Right: Ralph Winkler, founder of MYS in 1972, is pictured here with his bride of 50 years, Margie. They celebrated their 50th anniversary by renewing their wedding vows at St. John’s Church in Dover, Ohio on August 22, 2009. Standing with them are their two daughters, Carole and Cherie. Ralph and Margie reside in Alameda, CA. As you can see from the photo, they are forever young.
MYS Quarter Notes
“MYS Quarter Notes” for October 2008 is now available for download. Just click here.
Update Your Information!
Update your information with MYS and you’re automatically entered into a drawing for fabulous MYS Gear! Use the navigation to the left to submit your info online, or send us a note at 790 Cleveland Ave S, Suite 203, St. Paul MN 55116
Alumni Committee
We are starting to plan the 40th anniversary season (2012) and we want to involve as many alumni as possible. We need alumni to help brainstorm ideas, organize events, locate alumni and other related tasks. If you would like to play an active role in MYS today, please contact us at 651-699-5811 or mys@mnyouthsymphonies.org.
MYS News
“MYS Quarter Notes, December 2009” including new alumni information, is now available for download in pdf form. Just click here.
Download a pdf of the January 2007 MYS Alumni Newsletter