• Season Recap

• Musicians Wanted! Auditions June 13 & 14

• A few spots remain for MYS Summer Extravaganza

• Conductor’s Corner: Patricia Kelly Performs Final Concert as String Orchestra Conductor

• Latest Shogren composition named Editors’ Choice

• Student Spotlight: Raised in Music and Raising the Bar

• Community Announcements

June 13–14 | 2025–26 Season Auditions
June 23–27 | MYS Summer Extravaganza
September 6 | 2025–26 Season Begins!

Photos courtesy of Jude Voiles.

Dear MYS Friends,

The MYS Spring Concert last Sunday featured all five orchestras and the Percussion Ensemble in a season grand finale at Benson Great Hall. It was an amazing culmination of this season’s hard work and effort.

The dynamic program included memorable themes from Saint-Saëns's Carnival of the Animals, John Williams's “Flying Theme” from E.T., and Wagner’s Lohengrin. The concert also showcased a combined performance of Soon Hee Newbold's Gravitas by the Wind and Philharmonic Orchestras. 44 graduating seniors and String Orchestra conductor Patricia Kelly were honored in their final performance with MYS.

We are so grateful to be a part of the musical lives of our students and their families. Participating in an orchestra and committing to the weekly rehearsal is a huge time commitment and requires balancing the busy schedules of our talented musicians and their families. Making music with dozens of other people who love music as much as you is a rare gift.

To our graduates—when you have a moment, please let us know how you’re doing—you’ll be missed.

To our returning members—have a restful May—we’ll see you for auditions this summer.

Most sincerely,

Tony Thomann, Executive Director

Musicians Wanted!
Auditions June 13 & 14

String, woodwind, brass, and percussion students are invited to audition for placement for the 2025–26 season.

• Audition Dates: June 13 & 14

• Location: Macalester College, 130 S Macalester St, St. Paul

Students unavailable on the designated audition dates should still register; we will contact you to schedule an alternate audition date!

New for 2025: New students auditioning for Wind or String Orchestra may opt to audition by video recording.

A few spots remain for
MYS Summer Extravaganza

Join us for a vibrant and immersive weeklong day camp for orchestral musicians entering grades 2–HS grad.

• Camp Dates: Monday, June 23–Friday, June 27

• Location: Central High School, 275 Lexington Pkwy N, St. Paul

• Schedule: 9:00 AM—3:00 PM Monday—Thursday; 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Friday

• Summer String Orchestra: This ensemble, directed by Kelly DeMorett, is designed for advanced beginner/intermediate string musicians entering grades 2–9 (Suzuki Books 1–5). This group is an excellent opportunity for a string student to play in their first orchestra, or for a newer orchestra student to hone their skills.

• Haydn Chamber Orchestra: This select ensemble, directed by Mark Mandarano, is designed for advanced string, woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians at the Repertory Orchestra level or above. This is an excellent opportunity to play a classical symphony, a type of work not regularly played by high school aged musicians.

  Positions are limited but there are still openings for viola, cello, bass, flute, bassoon, and trumpet! Students not previously in MYS Repertory or Symphony Orchestras will submit a brief video recording for placement in the Haydn Chamber Orchestra.

Patricia Kelly Performs Final Concert as String Orchestra Conductor

Since 1997, the Minnesota Youth Symphonies has had the good fortune to have Patricia Kelly as the director of the String Orchestra. For hundreds and perhaps thousands of MYS students and families, Ms. Kelly has been the person who has welcomed them into the fold, which she has done with boundless warmth, humor, and humanity. Ms. Kelly is passionate about making music accessible and enjoyable for students from diverse backgrounds. With a remarkable ability to blend high expectations and expert pedagogy with age-appropriate instruction and her captivating personality, she has inspired generations of young musicians.

Ms. Kelly grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota, which she says was then considered “a big ‘small town.’” From an early age she was drawn to music, and was fortunate to study with great teachers in the area, taking viola lessons with James Strang and piano lessons with Shyrl Strang. They encouraged her to study piano with Dr. Ibis from St. John’s University and to join the newly-formed St. Cloud Civic Orchestra. There, as a high schooler, she found herself playing Mahler alongside seasoned orchestra teachers and St. Cloud State professors. “I was lucky they let me in,” she recalls. “I’m sure it was because . . .

Latest Shogren composition named Editors’ Choice

Repertory Orchestra conductor Lucas Shogren’s latest composition was recently published by Carl Fischer. Echoes of Bravery is a string piece for young orchestra. It was also selected for J.W. Pepper’s Editors’ Choice List. 

From the Publisher: “This courageous theme marches forward with determination, arising with steady staccato accompaniment. The unique secondary theme, starting on beat two, provides a rewarding rhythmic challenge for young musicians. Every section of the orchestra gets a chance to carry the bold E minor melody, coming together to unite in confidence and strength.”

From an early age, Vladimir was immersed in music, thanks in large part to his mother Irina Elkina, who is a professional pianist. “My mom is an incredible accompanist, and I’m so lucky to have her,” he says. “I actually used to think all moms were accompanists!” Vladimir began piano lessons with his mom around age five and soon picked up the violin as well. He was quickly drawn to the violin’s expressive range and ability to create nuance. “I felt like there was more of a sandbox for me to play in,” he explains.

That early exposure to music—and the close collaborative bond forming with his mom, his perennial accompanist—helped fuel his development. At age eleven, Vladimir entered his first two competitions around the same time, performing Mozart’s Third Violin Concerto. “I hadn’t seen many people my age play with an orchestra,” he recalls. Watching older winners, he assumed it would take him much longer to reach their level. To his surprise, . . .

Are you a current MYS student or alumni interested in being featured in a future issue? Contact mys@mnyouthsymphonies to let us know what you’re up to!

Summer Programs

Lawrence Summer Institute

• The Lawrence Summer Music Institute is a new program for advanced high school string players and pianists. Students will experience an exciting week-long workshop focusing on building classical performance and chamber music skills. The Summer Music Institute will feature private lessons, group coaching, performance opportunities, and workshops in a collaborative environment with Lawrence Conservatory faculty and guest artists.

• Application Deadline:
  June 1, 2025 (or until positions are filled)

• Dates:

  July 6–13, 2025

• Location:
  Appleton, WI

  
  To learn more, visit www.lawrence.edu/LSMI

Birch Creek Symphony Academy

• Birch Creek’s program is unique in symphony and chamber music education in that it incorporates a student/mentor approach in virtually every aspect of training. Students rehearse and perform alongside their teachers, receiving an abundance of personal attention. In such a nurturing environment, students develop excellent practice habits, rehearsal skills and progress at an amazing rate. Seven public performances of four different orchestral programs are given over the two-week session.

• Application Deadline:
  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on February 1, 2025. Apply early as many sections fill quickly.

• Dates:
  June 29–July 12, 2025

• Location:
  Egg Harbor, WI

  
  To learn more, visit www.birchcreek.org/symphony

Luther College Dorian Summer Camps

• Every summer, around 800 student musicians spend a week at Luther College to study, explore, and perform music under the mentorship of Luther’s music faculty. On a given day at camp, you will take part in ensemble rehearsals for band, choir, and/or orchestra, instrument-specific workshops, a wide variety of classes, and private lessons. In the evenings, you won’t know where the time has gone by participating in evening talent nights, concerts, walks into town, and a variety of sports. The camp ends with a grand concert in Luther’s Center for Faith and Life.

• Application Deadline:
  The deadline for scholarship applications is May 3, 2025.

• Dates:
  Middle School Camp—June 15–21
  High School Camp—June 22–28

• Location:
  Luther College
  Decorah, IA

  
  To learn more, visit luther.edu/music