Minnesota Youth Symphonies

Vicki Krueger, Executive Director
Vicki Krueger, Executive Director since 1989, provides administrative leadership of Minnesota Youth Symphonies. She is considered a leader in the field of youth orchestra administration, having served on the National Youth Orchestra Board, a division of the League of American Orchestras. Krueger’s background includes performance study at the University of Minnesota and MacPhail Center for the Arts, composing and arranging, producing theater, and she taught piano privately for over twenty years. Even after 22 years with MYS I’m still amazed at every concert by the artistry and passion the students display in their performances. The gifted and devoted artistic staff bring all of the elements together and provide an incredible orchestral experience for our students.”

For general inquiries and questions related to the administrative policies of the Minnesota Youth Symphonies, contact Vicki at vlkrueger@mnyouthsymphonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Rachel Bittner, Operations Manager
Rachel joined the MYS staff in June 2009, after moving back to St. Paul from Madison, Wisconsin. As a musician, piano teacher, and MYS alum, Rachel holds a great appreciation for music education and is happy to be a part of such a valuable youth organization. She earned degrees in music from Lawrence University and University of Wisconsin-Madison. During the past ten years she has been very active as an accompanist, church musician, and piano teacher in the Madison, WI and the Twin Cities. Currently, Rachel is on the faculty at St. Joseph’s School of Music in St. Paul. Rachel played oboe in MYS from 1994-1996.

For questions related to student policies, absences, rehearsals, tuition, stage management, auditions or the summer program, contact Rachel at rmbittner@mnyouthsymphonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Emily Cain, Administrative Assistant/Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Emily is a proud MYS alum (go violas!), who found her way back to MYS working behind the scenes. In her third year as the Administrative Assistant/Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Emily wears several hats for MYS, and holds a variety of job responsibilities. Emily maintains the MYS website, coordinates the annual wreath sale fundraiser, writes and publishes the MYS Weekly Update, concert programs/program notes, and the MYS newsletter Quarter Notes. She is also responsible for all outgoing and incoming advertising and creates ads and other promotional materials for MYS.

Emily graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2008 with a BA in Cultural Studies, American Studies, and Studies in Cinema and Media Culture. She played viola in MYS from 1997-2004 and can often be found jamming and air-conducting to the music of Sergei
Rachmaninoff, one of her favorite composers.

For general questions about MYS policies, rehearsals, auditions, and information about advertising with MYS please contact Emily at mys@mnyouthsympnonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Adam Haglin, Development Officer
As Development Officer for MYS, Adam brings over eight years of development and fundraising experience in the non-profit world to his position. He is responsible for supporting and enhancing annual fundraising activities by placing major emphasis on specific annual activities including: annual board giving, individual major gifts, foundation proposal research and grant writing. Adam previously worked for Children’s Home Society & Family Services, where he served as Major Gifts Officer. He also served as District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America for three years, and Exploring Executive for the four prior to that. Adam holds an MA in Literature from Minnesota State-Mankato and a BA in English along with a Business minor from University of Wisconsin-Superior. He is excited to continue to build support for the Minnesota Youth Symphonies as Development Officer.

For general inquiries and questions related to the personal, corporate and foundation contributions, or other fundraising projects, contact Adam at arhaglin@mnyouthsymphonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Juliet Johnson, Head Librarian
Juliet has been an involved MYS parent for several years and a volunteer librarian for the Philharmonic Orchestra. She brings a diverse range of skills to her position from work as a substructure research specialist in the petrochemical engineering field to volunteer work with animals at the Los Angeles Zoo and in shelters to teaching and volunteering at the Minnesota Waldorf School and managing a middle school sports league. She played the piano as a child and loves listening to the students rehearse and perform beautiful music.

For questions regarding repertoire for the orchestras, lost music, music rental by outside groups or other related items, please contact Juliet at librarian@mnyouthsymphonies.org or 651-699-5811.

Maria Melichar, Volunteer Coordinator
A graduate from the University of Minnesota with a Masters degree in nursing in 2000 and currently working as a nurse practitioner in cardiology. Prior volunteer experiences include building puppets and assisting in puppetry performances, and assisting and organizing fundraising banquets for several local non-profit organizations. During the 2010-2011 MYS season, Maria volunteered backstage at concerts, chaperoning, and assisted with the MYS year-end Picnic and Play-In.

Volunteering is an excellent way to stay involved in your child’s activities, make new friends and contribute to a wonderful organization! If you are interested in volunteering with the Minnesota Youth Symphonies, including assisting at rehearsals, chaperoning retreats, concert supervising, mailings and other fun tasks, contact Maria at mlhmelichar@aol.com or call 612-865-9965 or 952-657-2323.

Alex Legeros, MYS Intern
Once again an MYS alum joins MYS as an intern. Alex graduated Summa Cum Laude from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Major in Honors Philosophy and a Minor in Scandinavian Studies. Currently, Alex is working on a Master of Professional Studies Degree at the University of Minnesota. Alex plays bassoon in the 1st John Phillips Sousa Memorial Band and contra bassoon in the Linden Hills Orchestra. Alex with be working with alumni projects and the MYS on-line auction.